Orban accuses Ukraine of disrupting oil supplies to Hungary
BBC World
February 26, 2026
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stationed soldiers at key energy facilities in response to accusations that Ukraine is disrupting oil supplies by delaying the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline. The pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, was shut down on January 27 following Russian strikes, with Orban claiming the suspension is a political move by Ukraine to exert pressure. Ukraine, however, has not directly addressed these claims.
The situation arises amid Ukraine's ongoing power shortages due to intense Russian attacks on its energy networks. To address this, Ukraine relies on imports from Europe, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, which have threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies until the pipeline is reopened. This dispute has also led Hungary to veto a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, citing frustration over the Druzhba pipeline issue.
Despite the disruption, alternative sources like the Adria pipeline are currently supplying both Hungary and Slovakia with non-Russian crude oil. According to an EU spokesperson, there is no immediate risk of oil shortages in these countries as the Adria pipeline has sufficient capacity to meet their needs.
Orban announced measures to protect Hungary's critical energy infrastructure, including deploying soldiers at energy facilities, increasing police patrols, and restricting drone flights near the border with Ukraine. He accused Ukraine of planning further disruptions to destabilize Hungary's energy system.
Critics suggest Orban is escalating tensions with Ukraine to rally public support ahead of April elections, as his ruling Fidesz party trails in polls after 16 years in power. This political strategy may be more about domestic optics than actual
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026