- February 18, 2026
- 3:43 pm
- World News
Hungary and Slovakia have suspended diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine. The decision is linked to the halt of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline across Ukrainian territory. The issue quickly transcended bilateral energy matters β it is a question of war logistics, European solidarity, and the balance of interests in the region.
Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the cessation of diesel exports to Ukraine and suggested a halt in electricity supplies if Kyiv “does not unblock the transit through ‘Druzhba’.” In Budapest, the rhetoric is similar: Foreign Minister PΓ©ter SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ confirmed that diesel supplies have been stopped and will not resume until the pumping is restored.
What happened with ‘Druzhba’
Halt after attack
On January 27, the operation of the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba Pipeline was halted following a Russian attack. This interrupted oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. The reasons for the technical failures are not specified in the statements from Budapest and Bratislava β the focus is on “unblocking” the transit.
Kyiv responded harshly. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha suggested that Hungary address its complaints about Russian oil to its “friends” in Moscow.
Sea route through Croatia
Simultaneously, Hungary activated an alternative scheme. The company MOL signed the first contracts for the supply of Russian oil by sea with subsequent transit to the country through Croatia. This reduces dependence on the Ukrainian section of ‘Druzhba’, but does not eliminate political pressure on Kyiv.
Thus, Budapest diversifies logistics while strengthening its negotiating position.
Consequences for Ukraine and the region
Fuel factor in wartime conditions
Diesel is a critically important resource for the economy and defense. The reduction of supplies from neighboring countries complicates the import balance and increases the load on alternative routes. Ukraine has already adapted its energy logistics to constant strikes, but each new disruption increases the cost and delivery times.
Slovakia additionally hinted at a possible halt in electricity exports. This increases the risks for energy sustainability during peak periods.
European solidarity under pressure
The decision by Budapest and Bratislava demonstrates how energy interdependence becomes a tool of political influence. Meanwhile, this concerns EU countries, where a common approach to sanctions policy formally operates.
As noted by NANews β Israel News | Nikk.Agency, Eastern Europe’s energy infrastructure remains vulnerable not only to missile strikes but also to political maneuvers. The Druzhba pipeline has long become more than just a pipe β it is an element of strategic bargaining.
What’s next
If the transit through ‘Druzhba’ is not restored soon, pressure from Hungary and Slovakia may increase. Ukraine, in turn, will expand alternative channels for fuel and electricity supplies.
The issue goes beyond bilateral relations. It concerns how resilient Europe’s energy architecture remains in wartime conditions.
The situation around diesel is yet another reminder: in 2026, energy remains part of military and diplomatic strategy. And every halted flow is not only an economic figure but also a political signal.
