Slovakia and Hungary Threaten Ukraine Over Russian Oil Transit Dispute

Ukraine is facing escalating pressure from Hungary and Slovakia, both of which have threatened to curtail energy supplies and financial support if Kyiv doesn’t resume the transit of Russian oil through its territory. The dispute centers on the Druzhba pipeline, a key artery for Russian crude oil to reach Central Europe, and has sparked condemnation from Ukraine, which accuses its neighbors of “blackmail” and acting in Russia’s interests.

Oil Transit Halt and Rising Tensions

Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia have been disrupted since January 27, after Ukraine stated a Russian drone strike damaged pipeline equipment in Western Ukraine. Both Hungary and Slovakia, still, maintain that Ukraine is responsible for the prolonged outage. They argue the pipeline is now capable of resuming supplies, a claim Ukraine disputes.

Slovakia’s Electricity Threat

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico issued an ultimatum on Saturday, February 21, 2026, stating he would request state-owned company SEPS to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if Russian oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline are not restored by Monday, February 23, 2026. Al Jazeera reports Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of acting “maliciously” towards Slovakia, referencing Ukraine’s earlier cessation of Russian gas supplies after a transit agreement expired in January 2025, which Fico claims is costing Slovakia €500 million annually.

Hungary Blocks EU Loan and Accuses Ukraine of ‘Blackmail’

Hungary has taken an even stronger stance, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announcing he will block the disbursement of a planned €90 billion (approximately $106 billion) European Union loan to Ukraine until the transit of Russian crude oil resumes through the Druzhba pipeline. ABC News reports Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of “blackmailing” Hungary by failing to restart oil shipments.

Ukraine’s Response and EU Involvement

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the threats from Hungary and Slovakia, labeling them as “ultimatums and blackmail.” The Ministry stated that such threats are “provocative, irresponsible and threaten the energy security of the entire region” and would ultimately benefit Russia. CNN reports Ukraine is in contact with the European Commission regarding the damage caused by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure and has proposed alternative oil supply routes to Hungary and Slovakia.

Ukraine is also considering activating the Early Warning Mechanism within its association agreement with the European Union in response to the threats from Budapest and Bratislava.

EU Calls Emergency Meeting

The escalating tensions have prompted the European Union to call an emergency meeting to address the standoff between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia. Euronews reported on this development on February 19, 2026, noting that Hungary and Slovakia had already halted diesel supplies to Ukraine following a Russian attack on the pipeline.

Key Takeaways

• Hungary and Slovakia are threatening to reduce support for Ukraine unless Russian oil transit resumes.
• Slovakia threatens to cut electricity supplies, while Hungary will block a €90 billion EU loan.
• Ukraine accuses its neighbors of “blackmail” and acting in Russia’s interests.
• The EU has called an emergency meeting to address the escalating dispute.