BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán escalated tensions with Ukraine on Thursday, threatening to use “force” to compel Kyiv to restore the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. The move comes as Ukraine and Hungary find themselves at odds over energy supplies and European Union financial aid, highlighting a deepening rift within the bloc as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. The dispute over the Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery for Russian oil to reach Hungary and Slovakia, is unfolding against the backdrop of upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, where Orbán is facing a surprisingly strong challenge from opposition parties.
In videos posted on social media, Orbán asserted that Hungary possesses the means to force Ukraine to resume oil deliveries. “We will win. And we will win by force. We have political and financial means, and with them we will compel them, unconditionally and preferably as soon as possible, to reopen the Friendship pipeline,” he declared, referring to the Druzhba pipeline – whose name translates to “Friendship” in English. “I want to develop this clear: we will win here and we will win by force. There will be no pact or compromise. We will break the oil blockade and we will force the Ukrainians to resume deliveries,” he added. A clip of Orbán’s statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by RBC-Ukraine.
Orbán threatens to use ‘force’ against Ukraine over Druzhba oil route https://t.co/HuGvF6oHv8
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) March 5, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Orbán’s remarks with a pointed rebuke, alluding to the Hungarian leader’s recent veto of a €90 billion (£78 billion) EU loan package intended for Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy stated, “We hope that one person in the European Union will not block these 90 billion euros, or at least the first tranche, so that our defenders have weapons.” He then added a veiled threat: “Otherwise, we will give the address of this person to our armed forces, to our guys, so that they can call him and talk to him in their own language.”
The escalating rhetoric comes as the European Union considers providing financial assistance to Ukraine to repair infrastructure on the Druzhba pipeline. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the European Commission could unlock this support using existing budgetary assistance mechanisms already allocated to Ukraine, and also provide technical expertise. However, Hungary and Slovakia have been blocking certain aid packages to Kyiv and sanctions against Russia until oil transit resumes.
Zelenskyy, however, has expressed strong reluctance to restore oil flows, arguing that the revenues contribute to financing Russia’s war effort. “I will be frank: I will not restore it,” he said. “It’s Russian oil.” This stance reflects Ukraine’s broader efforts to cut off economic lifelines to Moscow and pressure Russia to complete its invasion.
The Druzhba Pipeline Dispute: A History of Interruption
The Druzhba pipeline, a major route for delivering Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been disrupted since January 27th. According to the BBC, Ukraine attributes the halt to damage caused by Russian strikes, with repair crews facing further attacks. Hungary and Slovakia, heavily reliant on Russian oil delivered through the pipeline, have been seeking a swift resolution to the issue. Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly agree that restoring the pipeline is not technically impossible, despite claims to the contrary.
The situation is further complicated by Hungary’s close ties with Russia. Orbán has consistently maintained a friendly relationship with Moscow, even as other EU nations have imposed sanctions and condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This stance has drawn criticism from within the EU and raised concerns about Hungary’s commitment to the bloc’s common foreign policy.
Orbán’s Domestic Political Calculus
The timing of Orbán’s increasingly hostile statements towards Ukraine is closely linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, scheduled for April 12th. According to recent polling data, the opposition party Tisa has, for the first time, overtaken Orbán’s ruling Fidesz by 12 percentage points, putting the prime minister’s 16-year rule at risk. Orbán appears to be employing a strategy of portraying Ukraine as an “external enemy” and leveraging concerns about foreign pressure to rally support among nationalist voters. The BBC reported that this approach, however, is not proving particularly effective.
EU Aid Package and Hungary’s Veto
The €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine, which Orbán vetoed, is intended to provide crucial financial support to Kyiv as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression. The package is designed to help Ukraine cover its budgetary needs, rebuild its infrastructure, and maintain essential public services. Orbán’s decision to block the aid has been widely condemned by other EU leaders, who accuse him of undermining European solidarity and jeopardizing Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia. The EU is now exploring ways to circumvent Hungary’s veto, potentially by seeking unanimous agreement from the remaining 26 member states.
Looking Ahead
The standoff between Hungary and Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline and EU aid is likely to continue in the coming weeks. The European Commission is expected to present proposals for repairing the pipeline infrastructure, even as Ukraine remains steadfast in its refusal to restore oil flows that benefit Russia. The outcome of the Hungarian elections on April 12th will also play a significant role in shaping the future of this dispute. Further developments are expected to be announced following a meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for March 15th.
This is a developing story. Readers seeking support related to the conflict in Ukraine can find resources at the USAID Ukraine website.
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