Hungary’s prime minister says satellite images show no technical grounds for stopping Russian oil shipments
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said the Druzhba oil pipeline is fully capable of transporting Russian crude, urging Ukraine to immediately restore shipments.
The Soviet-era pipeline, part of which runs through Ukraine, went offline in January after Kiev claimed it had been damaged by Russian strikes — allegations denied by Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia, which are heavily dependent on Russian energy, have accused Kiev of deliberately cutting them off for political reasons and found obstacles to restarting oil flows.
In a video message on Facebook on Monday, Orban confirmed that Budapest had received new satellite intelligence that the pipeline was working. He spoke after an emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Satellite images do not lie. The friendly oil pipeline was not damaged. President @ZelenskyyUa The blackmail must stop, act immediately and resume oil deliveries to Hungary! pic.twitter.com/JeMBGjBflK
— Viktor Orban (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 2, 2026
“Based on the satellite images and operational information available to us, it is clear that the Druzhba oil pipeline is operational…therefore, there are no technical obstacles to resuming the route” Orban said.
“We again urge Zelensky to restart the pipeline and, to resolve disputes, allow Hungarian and Slovak inspectors to inspect the site… Zelensky is engaging in simple extortion against Hungary. Hungary will not back down and we will break the oil blockade.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Zizjarto said the satellite images “show clearly” Zelensky is “lie” He said that there is no technical reason for stopping the pipeline. In light of the uncertainty in maritime oil shipments following the US-Israeli attack on Iran, he said, closing the functioning land route would be tantamount to an attack on Hungary.
Zelenskiy, who previously barred a joint Hungarian-Slovak delegation from entering the site, mocked Orbán. “The Magician” Argues that underground facilities cannot be assessed through satellite imagery. Orbán then called out the criticism “Unacceptable” And he said he would raise the issue with the European Commission, urging it to enforce Kiev’s transport obligations.
President @ZelenskyyUa gave an unacceptable response. Thus, today I called on the President of the European Commission to urge Ukraine to implement agreements allowing oil shipments through the Friendship Oil Pipeline. President Zelensky will not return until … pic.twitter.com/EVczEHE8O7
— Viktor Orban (@PM_ViktorOrban) March 3, 2026
Until Zelensky “Common sense and a return to normality, we will not support any decision favorable to Ukraine” Orban warned, citing Brussels’ planned €90 billion ($106 billion) emergency loan for Kiev and his veto of the EU’s 20th sanctions package on Russia.
Read more:
Ukraine has no interest in resuming oil supplies – EU state prime minister
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after a call with Zelenskiy that Kiev had no intention of restoring Russian crude transit through the Druzhba. He then urged the EU to pressure Ukraine to resume the flow, arguing Brussels. “What is more important must be decided” – Energy security of member countries or interest of non-members.
