Hungary and Slovakia Dispute Ukraine Over Druzhba Pipeline Amid EU Russian Oil Ban Plans

Since late January, shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline have been halted following a Russian drone strike on pipeline equipment in Ukraine. Kyiv asserts it is repairing the damage, while Hungary and Slovakia blame Ukraine for delays. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of planning further disruptions to Hungary's energy system and ordered increased protection of critical infrastructure. The EU plans to propose a permanent ban on Russian oil imports after Hungary's April 12 election, a move opposed by Hungary and Slovakia, who have also vetoed new EU sanctions on Russia amid ongoing disputes over energy supplies and military support for Ukraine.