Full Breakdown
Hungary and Slovakia Seek Croatian Assistance for Russian Oil Supplies Amid Pipeline Disruption
2/18/2026, 12:18:25 AM
Background on the Druzhba Pipeline Shutdown
Hungary and Slovakia have formally requested Croatia's assistance in securing Russian crude oil following the suspension of oil flows through the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline, which has been inactive since January 27, 2026. This disruption is attributed to Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, particularly near the city of Brody, where the Druzhba pipeline connects with other networks. Ukrainian officials have reported damage from these strikes, while Hungarian and Slovak officials have labeled the stoppage as "political blackmail," suggesting that Ukraine is intentionally blocking supplies due to Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU membership.
Request for Croatian Support
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková have sent a joint letter to Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar, requesting permission to transport Russian oil via the Adria pipeline, which connects the Croatian port of Omišalj to refineries in Hungary and Slovakia. Szijjártó emphasized that their EU sanctions exemption allows for maritime imports of Russian oil if pipeline deliveries are disrupted, stating, “No country’s energy security should be an ideological issue.”
Croatian Response and Conditions
Croatian officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, have expressed a willingness to consider Hungary's request while stressing the need to comply with EU law and U.S. sanctions. Plenkovic noted that while there is an exemption allowing Hungary to purchase Russian crude, U.S. sanctions present conflicting regulations. He indicated that Croatia would assess how to fulfill its neighborly role without compromising compliance with international sanctions.
Implications for Energy Security
Hungary's reliance on the Druzhba pipeline is significant, as it accounts for a substantial portion of its oil supply. In response to the disruption, Hungarian oil company MOL has initiated the release of strategic crude reserves, estimating that approximately 250,000 tons may be needed if pipeline flows do not resume soon. MOL has also started supplying its refineries with seaborne crude oil, although the Adria pipeline cannot fully replace the Druzhba's capacity.
Criticism and Opposition
Ukrainian officials have criticized Hungary for not publicly addressing the pipeline disruption sooner, suggesting that Hungary's ties with Russia may have influenced its response. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Ukraine of using the pipeline situation to pressure Hungary politically. Meanwhile, the European Commission has stated that there is no immediate risk to the energy supply in Hungary or Slovakia, as both countries maintain sufficient emergency reserves.
What's Next
The first shipments of oil via the Adria pipeline are expected to arrive in early March, with an additional 5-12 days required for the crude to reach refineries. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions among Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia regarding the logistics of oil transport and compliance with international regulations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We request Croatia to enable the transport of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Adria pipeline, as our sanctions exemption provides the possibility to import Russian oil by sea if pipeline deliveries are disrupted,” — Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister
- “Croatia will not allow Central Europe's fuel supply to be endangered.” — Ante Šušnjar, Croatian Economy Minister
- “The security of a country's energy supply must never be an ideological issue.” — Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Foreign Minister
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of energy security in Central Europe amid geopolitical tensions and the intricate balance of compliance with international sanctions.
