Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has ordered increased security at key energy infrastructure sites, accusing Ukraine of attempting to disrupt Hungary’s energy system.

In a video statement, Orban alleged Kyiv was using an “oil blockade” and preparing further actions, though he provided no evidence.

Budapest recently claimed Ukraine was deliberately restricting Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, an accusation Ukrainian officials denied, saying the pipeline was damaged in a Russian drone strike.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, most European countries have reduced Russian energy imports, Al-Jazeera has reported.

However, Hungary and Slovakia have continued importing Russian oil and gas under a temporary exemption from European Union sanctions.