Tensions Escalate: Hungary Accuses Ukraine of Attack on Critical ‘Druzhba’ Oil Pipeline
In diplomatic circles, tensions have flared again after Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, made bold allegations claiming Ukraine conducted a nighttime drone strike targeting a vital distribution station of the ‘Druzhba’ oil pipeline in the Bryansk region of Russia.
The statement has sparked widespread concern across European diplomatic and energy communities, as the pipeline holds significant strategic importance for the region.
Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary remains the largest electricity supplier to Ukraine, and the country’s energy security heavily depends on the stable operation of its energy infrastructure.
According to him, the recent attack on the ‘Druzhba’ pipeline, which supplies crude oil to Hungary and plays a crucial role in national energy security, is ‘highly provocative and deeply disturbing.’ The Hungarian foreign minister called on Ukraine to cease actions that threaten regional energy stability and urged diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.
This escalation occurs amid European efforts to reinforce sanctions against Russia, including a proposed legally binding ban on the import of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas into the European Union until 2027.
The European Commission’s proposal aims to ensure the enforceability of restrictions, preventing individual member states — notably Hungary and Slovakia — from blocking the measures.
In July, Szijjártó reported progress on a new pipeline project between Hungary and Serbia, designed to bolster energy independence.
He also criticized the EU’s stance on reducing reliance on Russian energy resources, emphasizing the need for diversification.
This latest development highlights the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding energy security in Europe and the broader region, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and ensure long-term stability.