The Hungarian government has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of interfering in its domestic politics after Ukraine halted oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, escalating tensions between Budapest and Kyiv.
Speaking on Thursday, February 19th, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the suspension of Russian crude supplies via the Druzhba pipeline amounted to an attempt to influence Hungary’s forthcoming elections.
“Zelensky has shut down the Druzhba oil pipeline. With this, he interfered in the Hungarian elections,” Orbán said in a video posted online, arguing that Kyiv is seeking to install a pro-Ukraine government in Budapest “at any price.”
Oil transit through the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia, was halted on January 27 following reports of damage allegedly caused by a Russian drone strike. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó dismissed technical explanations, describing the move as a “purely political decision.”
In response, Hungary has suspended diesel exports to Ukraine until oil flows are restored.
The decision could deal a blow to Kyiv, which relies on Hungary for significant energy supplies.
Szijjártó said Budapest was drawing on strategic reserves and arranging alternative shipments via Croatia. He added that Hungary and Slovakia had formally requested action from the European Commission, insisting that domestic fuel supplies remain secure despite the dispute.
