Zelenskyy Declines Druzhba Pipeline Repair as Hungary Disputes Damage Claims

Published on March 5, 2026 – 19:38 GMT+1 • Updated March 6, 2026 – 10:10 GMT+1

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he would prefer not to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, escalating tensions with Hungary and Slovakia amid disruptions to Russian oil flows. The pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory, has been non-operational since January 27th following reported damage from Russian drone attacks, according to Ukrainian officials.

Pipeline Damage and Repair Reluctance

Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine could potentially repair the pipeline within a month to a month and a half, but expressed a lack of incentive to do so. “To be honest, I wouldn’t restore it. This is my position,” Zelenskyy said. He added that, as long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine, he sees no reason to facilitate the delivery of Russian oil. He previously stated that repairs would only be considered during a ceasefire .

Hungary’s Response and Energy Security

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has taken a firm stance, stating Hungary will block the adoption of a new EU sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline resumes operation. Orbán responded to Zelenskyy’s statement with a pledge to restore oil flow, stating, “There will be no deals, no compromise. We will break the Ukrainian oil blockade by force. Hungary’s energy will soon flow again through the Friendship pipeline,” .

But, Hungarian officials maintain that the pipeline is currently in decent working order. Gergely Gulyás, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s Office, asserted that the Druzhba pipeline is “not only intact, it is in better condition than ever,” . He likewise indicated that Hungary possesses sufficient oil reserves for approximately 96 days and has alternative supply routes through the Adria pipeline, ensuring energy security even without Druzhba’s immediate resumption .

Diplomatic Fallout and Accusations

The situation has triggered a significant diplomatic rift. Zelenskyy made remarks directed at Orbán, suggesting he share his phone number with Ukrainian troops, which Budapest interpreted as a death threat. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó strongly condemned Zelenskyy’s statement, stating Hungary “cannot be blackmailed, no matter how they threaten it” .

Orbán has also accused Ukraine of deliberately disrupting oil supplies, referring to an “oil blockade.” He has ordered increased security measures for Hungary’s critical energy infrastructure, citing fears of a potential Ukrainian attack .

Political Context

The dispute coincides with Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections in April, where relations with Ukraine and Ukraine’s EU accession bid have grow central campaign issues. Opposition leader Péter Magyar also condemned Zelenskyy’s remarks, stating that no foreign head of state should threaten a Hungarian citizen .

The Druzhba Pipeline Dispute: Key Points

• Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted since January 27th due to reported damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
• Zelenskyy has expressed reluctance to repair the pipeline although Russia continues its war against Ukraine.
• Hungary maintains the pipeline is intact and accuses Ukraine of blocking oil deliveries.
• The dispute has led to a significant diplomatic row and accusations of threats.
• The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of Hungarian parliamentary elections.