Finance
Russia's putin to discuss 'Ukrainian energy blackmail' with hungary's szijjarto, kremlin says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 4, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 4, 2026
Quick Summary
Russian President Putin will meet with Hungarian FM Szijjártó on March 4 to discuss what the Kremlin calls Ukraine’s ‘energy blackmail’ over disrupted oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline, amid rising tensions over delayed repairs and political standoffs.
Putin to Address Ukrainian Oil Supply Blackmail with Hungary’s Szijjarto
Putin’s Planned Talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister
Background on the Druzhba Oil Pipeline Disruption
MOSCOW, March 4 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto later on Wednesday and discuss Ukraine's "blackmailing" of Slovakia and Hungary over oil supplies, the Kremlin said.
Kyiv has said that the Ukrainian branch of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, was severely damaged by fire after a Russian attack in late January and cannot be repaired quickly.
Accusations from Hungary and Slovakia
Hungary and Slovakia have both accused Ukraine - which has long been unhappy about them continuing to buy Russian oil - of deliberately dragging its feet over the repairs for political reasons.
Kremlin’s Response and Planned Discussions
Peskov’s Statement on the Situation
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin would discuss the matter with Szijjarto, a frequent visitor to Moscow, later on Wednesday.
Details on the Blackmail Allegations
"You know the buyers of our oil, such as Hungary and Slovakia, who are now facing blackmail from the Kyiv regime. This refers to blackmail related to the deliberate blocking of supplies via the Druzhba oil pipeline. Of course, this will be discussed today," said Peskov.
Broader European Energy Context
He told reporters on the same conference call that Russia had not been contacted by other European countries asking it to resume energy supplies given the situation in Iran.
(Reporting by Anastasia LyrchikovaEditing by Andrew Osborn)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine says the Druzhba pipeline was heavily damaged in January by a Russian strike and repairs are slow; Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of using the delay as political leverage. (ft.com)
- •Hungary and Slovakia have retaliated by suspending diesel exports and threatening to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. Slovakia also warned it may halt emergency electricity supplies. (apnews.com)
- •Ukraine rejects the accusations, says it is repairing the pipeline but needs time amid ongoing Russian attacks, while pushing for independent inspections. (ft.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia's Putin to discuss 'Ukrainian energy blackmail' with Hungary's Szijjarto, Kremlin says
1What will Putin and Hungary's Szijjarto discuss?
They will discuss Ukraine's alleged blackmail of Hungary and Slovakia over oil supply disruptions via the Druzhba pipeline.
2Why is there tension over the Druzhba oil pipeline?
The Druzhba pipeline was damaged by fire after a Russian attack, and Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of delaying repairs for political reasons.
3What accusations have Hungary and Slovakia made against Ukraine?
Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately delaying Druzhba pipeline repairs to pressure them politically over their continued purchases of Russian oil.
4Has Russia been contacted by other European countries for energy supplies?
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia has not been contacted by other European countries requesting changes to energy supplies.
5What is the significance of these talks for European oil markets?
The talks could influence oil supply stability and political relations between Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia, impacting European energy markets.
