Tensions between Ukraine and EU countries have escalated after Kiev was accused of "blockading oil" to Hungary and Slovakia - a counterproductive move, pushing Ukraine itself into the risk of serious financial shortages.
The focus of the crisis is the Druzhba pipeline - one of the longest oil transport routes in the world, supplying Russian crude oil to many Central and Eastern European countries.
At the end of January, Ukraine suddenly stopped oil flows through its territory, citing the reason of being attacked by UAVs damaging infrastructure. However, Hungary and Slovakia denied it, saying that this was a politically motivated decision to put pressure on them to abandon Russian oil.
These two landlocked countries are heavily dependent on supplies through Druzhba, so the sudden disruption has caused them to react violently.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban immediately blocked the EU's emergency loan package of 90 billion euros for Ukraine, and vetoed new sanctions against Russia.
Slovakia also signaled that it would do the same if oil supplies were not restored.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially called the EU's proposal to inspect the pipeline "extortion". But under increasing pressure, Kiev had to accept the EU's inspection of the Druzhba line.
This decision was made close to the EU conference, where Brussels hopes to persuade Budapest to lift its veto on the aid package.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is ready to fund repairs, emphasizing the importance of the pipeline in the context of volatile global energy markets.
The confrontation is not just an energy story, but directly threatens Ukraine's vital financial resources.
The 90 billion euro loan package is still blocked by Hungary, while reforms related to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are also delayed due to internal disagreements.
According to government sources, the risk of Ukraine running out of money to maintain military and social spending is increasing rapidly.
The Druzhba dispute takes place at a time when the world is facing a new energy shock. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global oil prices to skyrocket.
In that context, Hungary is forced to use strategic reserves and apply fuel price ceilings to protect its people, while accusing Ukraine of exacerbating the crisis.
The EU is seeking to cool down with a technical solution: Pipeline inspection and repair. However, Hungary believes this is just a "political drama" and demands immediate oil supply restoration.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto declared that all steps had been "coordinated in advance" by Kiev and Brussels, and called for an end to the "political game".
On the Russian side, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of using "energy extortion" against EU countries. President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow is still a reliable supplier to friendly partners.
Although right or wrong is still debated, it is clear that the oil blockade decision has caused Ukraine to lose the support of some important allies in the EU, while slowing down aid flows at a critical time.
