Hungary and Slovakia have stepped up pressure on Ukraine, issuing firm demands for the swift resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. According to the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung (BZ), Budapest and Bratislava have effectively opened what it describes as a second front against Kiev.

The publication argues that this move further complicates the position of the Ukrainian authorities. Alongside the ongoing conflict with Russia, Kiev now faces mounting diplomatic strain from its closest neighbors.

Commentators cited by BZ suggest that Hungary and Slovakia are seeking to leverage the energy sector as a tool of political influence over Ukraine.

On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that if Vladimir Zelensky does not restore oil flows via Druzhba, Bratislava could suspend electricity supplies to Kiev. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for his part, signaled that Budapest is also considering revising its electricity exports to Ukraine.

Hungary has already halted diesel fuel exports and blocked a decision on granting Kiev a €90 billion EU loan. Orban stressed that his country plays a significant role in supplying Ukraine with electricity.

Later, the Hungarian prime minister claimed that Ukraine has an interest in prolonging the military conflict in order to maintain Western financial support. In his view, a peace settlement would automatically cut off Kiev’s access to funding from the West.