Russia accuses Ukraine of 'energy blackmail' over blocked oil to Hungary

2026-02-17 - 23:22

Russia has accused Ukraine of engaging in "energy blackmail" after Kyiv blocked Russian oil supplies destined for Hungary, raising tensions between Moscow and European buyers still dependent on Russian energy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the move on Tuesday, stating that Ukraine's actions threaten energy security in Central Europe and represent a dangerous escalation in the ongoing energy conflict between the warring neighbors. Alternative Routes Under Discussion Peskov confirmed that Russian officials remain in contact with European buyers affected by the transit suspension, exploring alternative delivery routes to maintain supply flows. "We are in dialogue with our European partners to find practical solutions that ensure uninterrupted energy supplies," he told reporters. The spokesman did not specify which alternative routes were being considered, though options could include increased shipments through the TurkStream pipeline or expanded maritime deliveries via Black Sea ports. Hungary's Vulnerability and EU Divisions The blocked supplies directly impact Hungary, whose nationalist government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban has maintained closer energy ties with Moscow than most EU members. Hungary relies heavily on Russian oil imported via the Druzhba pipeline, which transits Ukrainian territory. Budapest has repeatedly opposed EU sanctions on Russian energy and blocked efforts to reduce bloc-wide dependence on Moscow's fossil fuels, leaving it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in transit arrangements. Broader Implications for European Energy Security The incident highlights the fragility of remaining Russian energy flows to Europe and the leverage Ukraine holds over pipeline routes crossing its territory. While the EU has dramatically reduced Russian gas imports since the 2022 invasion, several landlocked Central European countries remain dependent on pipeline deliveries that traverse Ukraine. Any prolonged disruption could force Hungary and others to seek emergency supplies from alternative sources or through expanded infrastructure connections with neighboring EU states, potentially straining regional solidarity and exposing lingering divisions over energy policy toward Russia.