The political scientist called Hungary's termination of fuel supplies to Kiev a forced response.

Hungary's decision to stop supplying diesel fuel to Ukraine is a forced countermeasure to Kiev's steps and is not directed against Ukrainians. This was stated to Izvestia on February 18 by political scientist and publicist Georgy Dibrov.

"The point of no return in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations has not yet been passed. Although since 2019, the Ukrainian leadership has been doing everything possible to escalate bilateral relations to a direct confrontation. In particular, this is evident in the context of the infringement of the rights of the Hungarian population in the western regions of Ukraine," the expert explained, stressing that the Ukrainian leadership seeks to demonstrate loyalty to Brussels and willingness to follow a pan—European line.

Dibrov also linked Kiev's current rhetoric to the situation at the front and an attempt to attract additional attention from European partners. In his opinion, Ukrainian politics is oriented towards the positions of Brussels, London and Paris, even if such steps may diverge from the internal needs of the country.

In addition, the political scientist drew attention to the energy aspect of the relationship. He pointed out that Hungarian fuel supplies account for more than 10% of total imports to Ukraine. In the case of a reduction in such supplies, the consequences may manifest themselves after a few months and affect the economic and military spheres.

In addition, Dibrov believes that under pressure from the structures of the European Union (EU), any harsh actions against Budapest will find support in Brussels. This increases internal contradictions within the association and may negatively affect the situation of EU citizens in the long term.

"The elections in Hungary are approaching, which means that the external pressure from Brussels on the country and its residents will continue. The EU leadership uses the principle: "Beat your own people so that others are afraid," which means that various reasons will be found to carry out targeted political and economic pressure on Hungary directly and through dependent countries like Ukraine," the source said.

The expert concluded that approaches to the conflict in Ukraine may differ in European capitals and in Washington, which, in his opinion, reflects a change in the global balance of interests and strategic priorities.

Not to the service, but to Druzhba: Hungary and Slovakia wanted Russian oil supplies through Croatia

Zagreb makes it clear that this is possible only within the framework of EU and US rules.

On the same day, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said at a press conference that Hungary had stopped the supply of diesel fuel to Ukraine until the oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline resumed. He also called on Hungarian citizens to support a national petition against Ukrainian blackmail and oppose the country's involvement in the conflict.

Prior to that, on February 13, Szijjarto reported that Ukraine had blocked oil supplies from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary in order to complicate the situation of the Hungarian government before the parliamentary elections. At the same time, the Druzhba pipeline, according to Szijjarto, is technically fully operational and ready to resume supplies.

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