Hungarian PM Orban suggests Ukrainian involvement in pipeline explosives discovery ahead of election

Explosives described as having devastating force were discovered on the Balkan Stream gas pipeline near Velebit village on the Serbian-Hungarian border. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reported the find, which occurred as Hungary approaches its April 12 parliamentary election where polls indicate Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party faces potential defeat by the conservative opposition Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza). Orban appeared to implicate Ukraine in planning sabotage during discussions with Vucic, with whom he maintains friendly relations toward Russia. The pipeline transports Russian natural gas through Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. Hungary's defense council will convene an emergency session to address the matter while investigations continue. Orban has centered his campaign for months on criticizing Ukraine and European Union aid provided during Russia's ongoing invasion.