Hungary accuses Ukraine of blocking delegation from visiting vital oil pipeline

March 18, 2026

TL;DR

Ukraine is refusing to resume oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
Kiev has rejected proposed trilateral meetings with Hungary and Slovakia to discuss the issue.
Hungary claims Ukraine is blocking vital Russian oil from reaching Hungary and Slovakia, alleging damage from Russian strikes, which Moscow denies.
Budapest and Bratislava accuse Kiev of blackmail and state Brussels has sided with Ukraine.
Szijjarto stated there is no technical or physical reason for the supply halt, calling it a 'pure political decision'.
Ukraine has rejected initiatives for site visits to inspect the pipeline.
Hungarian officials were reportedly denied meetings with Ukrainian energy officials.
Hungary vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia and blocked a €105 billion loan package for Ukraine due to the oil supply issue.
Budapest will continue to oppose the bailout until oil supplies are resumed.
Hungary has consistently opposed Ukraine's EU membership bid and refused to send weapons or approve EU military aid, advocating for a diplomatic solution.

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