Hungary and Slovakia have decided to conduct a joint investigation into the recent interruption of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports crude oil from Russia. The announcement was made by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who indicated that Ukraine is politically motivated in halting the flow of oil. This investigation comes in the wake of claims by Kyiv that the pipeline became non-operational due to damage from Russian military actions, a response denied by Moscow.

The disagreement centers around the interpretation of the pipeline's status post-January's cessation of oil flow. Both Hungary and Slovakia maintain that Ukraine's assertions of technical issues preventing the resumption of services are unfounded. Orban commented that the situation effectively places both nations under an oil blockade orchestrated by Ukraine, emphasizing the broader implications for energy security and political tensions in the region.

This development is significant as it highlights ongoing geopolitical frictions, particularly between nations reliant on Russian oil and Ukraine amidst the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The investigation may not only influence bilateral relations but could also affect EU energy policies and the dynamics of energy supply routes in Europe. The outcome could have lasting effects on how energy dependencies are managed within the context of regional stability.