Finance
Hungary will force Ukraine to reopen key pipeline for Russian oil, orban says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatens to use “political and financial tools” to force Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been shut since late January due to damage from a Russian attack. Hungary and Slovakia, the last EU states still importing Russian oil, accuse Ukraine
Hungary to Use Political and Financial Means to Reopen Russian Oil Pipeline
Hungary's Response to the Druzhba Pipeline Suspension
Background of the Pipeline Disruption
BUDAPEST, March 5 (Reuters) - Hungary will force neighbouring Ukraine with "political and financial tools" to reopen the key Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday.
Flows of Russian oil through the Druzhba to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine have been suspended since late January when Kyiv says the pipeline was seriously damaged by a fire after a Russian attack.
Accusations and Political Tensions
Hungary and Slovakia, the only European Union countries still importing Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil flows for political reasons. Kyiv says the pipeline cannot be repaired quickly.
Orban's Statements and Strategy
"I would like to make clear that we will win, and we will win with force," Orban told a business conference.
"We have no military force for this, I can reassure everyone that this is not part of our plans. But we have political and financial tools," he said, without elaborating.
Political Implications and Upcoming Elections
Last month, Hungary vetoed new EU sanctions on Russia and also a huge loan for Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline dispute.
In power since 2010, the veteran leader has made the Ukraine war a focal point in his campaign for re-election in an April 12 ballot, accusing his centre-right challenger Peter Magyar of plotting to drag Hungary into the war raging next door. Magyar strongly denies the suggestion.
Economic Context and Election Outlook
With Hungary mired in a three-year-long economic stagnation, most polls show Magyar's Tisza party ahead by a wide margin, although the outcome of the vote remains uncertain.
Orban's Determination
"There will be no compromise whatsoever. We will defeat them, we will wrestle down the oil blockade and we will force the Ukrainians to resume shipments," Orban said.
(Reporting by Gergely SzakacsEditing by Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Orbán vows to compel Ukraine to restart oil flows via political and financial pressure, stopping short of military force.
- •The shutdown of the Druzhba pipeline followed a Russian strike on Jan 27, halting supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, which remain EU’s only Russian oil importers.
- •Hungary and Slovakia are blocking a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and new sanctions on Russia over the pipeline dispute; the EU says there is ‘no immediate risk’ to energy security at present.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hungary will force Ukraine to reopen key pipeline for Russian oil, Orban says
1Why was the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary suspended?
The Druzhba pipeline was suspended due to serious damage from a fire after a Russian attack, according to Ukrainian officials.
2How does Hungary plan to reopen the Russian oil pipeline?
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said they will use political and financial tools to force Ukraine to reopen the pipeline.
3How has Hungary responded to EU sanctions and loans over the dispute?
Hungary vetoed new EU sanctions on Russia and blocked a major loan for Ukraine related to the pipeline dispute.
4Are Hungary and Slovakia the only EU countries importing Russian oil?
Yes, currently Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU members still importing Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
