Zelenskyy Offers to Restart Russian Oil Transit in Exchange for Hungary Unblocking EU Aid

Hungary's Financial Pressure on Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine is facing financial pressure from Hungary over the transit of Russian oil via the 'Druzhba' pipeline. In a recent interview with Politico published on March 12, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Hungarian leadership is blocking European aid and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. He expressed a willingness to resume the oil transit, but only on the condition that Hungary stops obstructing the European Union's financial assistance package.

Strained Ukraine-Hungary Relations

Zelenskyy emphasized that Hungary is using the 'Druzhba' pipeline as its primary lever of pressure against Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale war, the Hungarian government has not only refused to provide military support to Ukraine but has also blocked logistical routes for Western weapons. Furthermore, Hungary has repeatedly vetoed sanctions targeting Russian oligarchs and the energy sector, a stance that has caused significant concern in Ukraine and among its Western allies. This ongoing friction highlights a key division within the EU regarding support for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian specialists managed to find a way to repair the damaged section of the pipeline within a month and a half. He also stressed his readiness for dialogue with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán:

'If this is blackmail, then I said: fine, we will restore it, if the EU gives no signals to the Hungarian side.' - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy added, 'If he does not want to support [us] - that is his business. But he cannot be against us, because he is a direct ally of Putin.'

Consequently, the situation surrounding the transit of Russian oil and Ukraine-Hungary relations remains tense, largely due to the political actions of the Hungarian government, which negatively impact Ukraine's security and financial stability. The dynamics between these two nations significantly affect regional security and Ukraine's capacity to receive international wartime support.

Amidst current geopolitical challenges, cooperation with the European Union is more critically important than ever for ensuring stability and security in Ukraine.