Hungary and Slovakia Threaten Ukraine Over Russian Oil Dispute

Budapest and Bratislava are escalating tensions with Kyiv, threatening to halt energy supplies and block crucial EU funding over stalled Russian oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline.

Oil Supply Disruptions and Accusations

Hungary and Slovakia have halted diesel exports to Ukraine following a Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukrainian territory, which disrupted the flow of Russian crude oil. Both countries, heavily reliant on Russian crude transported through the pipeline, accuse Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs for political reasons.

The Druzhba pipeline carries Russian crude across Ukrainian territory into Central Europe. Shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been interrupted since January 27th, after Ukrainian officials stated a Russian drone attack damaged the pipeline.

Threats of Retaliation

Hungary is threatening to block a planned 90 billion euro loan from the European Union to Ukraine until the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline resumes. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of “blackmailing” Hungary by failing to restart oil shipments.

Slovakia has also taken a firm stance, with Prime Minister Robert Fico stating that if Ukraine does not resume oil supplies by Monday, February 23rd, he will ask Slovak companies to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.

Hungary has requested the European Commission facilitate the transfer of seaborne Russian oil through Croatia’s Adriatic pipeline as an alternative route, but Croatia has rejected this request.

EU Response and Commission Stance

The European Commission has convened an emergency Oil Coordination Group meeting, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia, to discuss the impact of the supply disruption and potential alternatives. The Commission has stated it is in contact with Ukrainian authorities regarding the pipeline repair timeline but is not exerting pressure on Kyiv.

Diesel Exports Halted

On February 18th, both Hungary and Slovakia announced they were halting diesel exports to Ukraine, directly linking the decision to the suspension of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Kyiv of deliberately endangering Hungary’s energy security.