• Hungary's PM announced a phased end to gas supplies to Ukraine.
• The cut is linked to disputes over the damaged Druzhba pipeline.
• Ukraine's energy needs heavily rely on gas from Hungary.
• Orban accuses Ukraine of delaying repairs to the pipeline.
• Hungary blocks EU financial aid to Ukraine amidst the tensions.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on March 25 that his country would phase out gas deliveries to Ukraine. This move arises from an ongoing dispute concerning the damaged Druzhba pipeline, critical for transporting Russian oil. Orbán stated, "To break the oil blockade and guarantee the security of Hungary's energy supply, new measures are now necessary," emphasizing the urgency of the situation according to Le Monde, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.

In a bid to secure its own energy, Hungary plans to utilize the gas intended for Ukraine to bolster its reserves. The disruption in gas supplies is particularly concerning for Ukraine, which relied on Hungary for nearly 45% of its gas imports in 2025, a figure that has since slightly decreased. The geopolitical tension stems from Orbán's accusations that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the repair of the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukrainian officials claim was damaged by Russian airstrikes, leading to a halt in Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.

Orbán's strategy has included blocking a significant €90 billion loan from the European Union to Ukraine and opposing economic sanctions against Russia. This series of retaliatory measures has raised tensions amid Hungary's ongoing election cycle. Orbán's government has positioned Ukraine as an adversary, claiming Ukrainian leaders are engaging in "blackmail" over oil supplies, further illuminating the strained relations between the nations, according to Le Monde and Los Angeles Times.