Hungary calls Ukraine enemy in Druzhba pipeline dispute

Friday 13 February 2026 - 17:40

By: Dakir Madiha

Hungary calls Ukraine enemy in Druzhba pipeline dispute

A Russian airstrike on January 27 damaged critical infrastructure along the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline, halting the flow of Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia and triggering a diplomatic clash between Budapest and Kyiv ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha disclosed the cause of the disruption on February 12 in a post on X, sharing photographs that showed pipeline facilities engulfed in flames. He said the latest targeted Russian strike had stopped oil transit through the route. The incident marked a rare case of Russian forces striking infrastructure that facilitates Moscow’s own energy exports to Europe.

The suspension of deliveries quickly escalated tensions between Hungary and Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of making a political decision to block the resumption of oil shipments, arguing that the pipeline was technically capable of restarting operations. Szijjártó claimed the disruption amounted to interference in Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary elections and alleged that Kyiv was backing the opposition Tisza party against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.

Sybiha rejected Hungary’s accusations and criticized Budapest for applying what he described as double standards by failing to protest to Moscow. He said Hungary had not lodged any complaint with Russia over the strike and urged the government to reduce its reliance on Russian energy supplies.

The exchange followed remarks earlier this month by Orbán, who said Ukraine was an enemy of Hungary because of Kyiv’s push for a European Union ban on Russian energy imports. After Ukraine summoned Hungary’s ambassador in response to the statement, Szijjártó reiterated on February 13 that actions taken by Kyiv demonstrated hostility toward Hungary.

Slovakia has also been affected by the pipeline disruption. The Slovak Economy Ministry confirmed that crude oil supplies have been suspended since early February. Spokesperson Maria Pavlusik said Slovakia holds strategic oil reserves sufficient for approximately 90 days and that authorities are coordinating with pipeline operator Transpetrol and refinery Slovnaft to manage the shortfall.

The Druzhba pipeline, a Soviet era network that once supplied much of Central Europe, remains the primary route for Russian oil imports into Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries secured exemptions from European Union sanctions on Russian energy, although Brussels has approved a roadmap aimed at ending all remaining Russian gas supplies by 2027.