Dialogos

Hungary to Gradually Halt Gas Deliveries to Ukraine, Orbán Says

Published March 25, 2026, 17:03
Hungary to Gradually Halt Gas Deliveries to Ukraine, Orbán Says

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary will gradually stop delivering natural gas to Ukraine until Kyiv restores the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. This decision escalates tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, as Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of halting the pipeline's operation, which supplies their refineries with Russian oil. Ukraine responds that the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone attack and is working to repair it, having received technical support and funding from the EU for this purpose. Orbán emphasized that halting gas deliveries is necessary to ensure Hungary's energy security and to break the "oil blockade." Hungary will store the remaining gas instead of delivering it to Ukraine. This move comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine and concerns about energy security in Europe. The interruption of oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline has caused problems for refineries in Hungary and Slovakia, forcing them to seek alternative oil sources. Hungary has strongly criticized Ukraine for the situation, while Ukraine accuses Russia of attacking the pipeline. The EU has attempted to mediate between the two countries, offering technical assistance and funding to restore the pipeline. However, Ukraine has warned that it will take several weeks to resume oil flow to Hungary and Slovakia. Hungary's decision to halt gas deliveries is expected to further complicate the situation.