On February 18, Hungary and Slovakia announced that they would cease diesel exports to Ukraine. This decision was made in light of the recent suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. The halt in exports is a significant development, especially considering Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, and reflects the growing tensions between Kyiv and Hungary and Slovakia, both known for their pro-Russian stances within the European Union. Ukraine has been urging EU countries to reduce their reliance on Russian energy sources, which are believed to financially support Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized Ukraine's leadership for what he perceived as a politically motivated decision to suspend oil transit, which he argued jeopardized Hungary's energy security. Szijjarto's comments highlight the complex relationship between Ukraine and its neighbors, with Hungary specifically accusing Ukraine of compromising its supply of energy resources. He indicated that Hungary will not resume diesel shipments until the oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline is reinstated, emphasizing Hungary's leverage in the region's energy dynamics.

This incident not only underlines the fraught relations within Europe related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also the intricacies of energy dependencies in the region. The halt in exports could have wider implications for Ukraine's energy supplies as it continues to fight against Russia, raising questions about how these tensions will impact EU solidarity in supporting Ukraine against aggression from Moscow and the future of energy collaborations in the region.