Orbán Complains to Trump Over Russian ‘Druzhba’ Oil Pipeline Shelling: Diplomatic Tensions Between Budapest, Kyiv, and Washington
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again found himself at the center of diplomatic tensions amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on the country’s energy security.
In his remarks, he openly complained to U.S.
President Donald Trump about rising tensions surrounding energy supplies and the Ukrainian military actions, focusing specifically on the explosions targeting the vital Ukrainian ‘Druzhba’ oil pipeline.
In his letter, Orbán emphasized that the shelling of this strategic route has left Hungary, which heavily depends on Russian oil via this pipeline, facing a serious crisis.
He noted that the destruction of the pipeline jeopardizes the energy stability not only for Hungary but also for Slovakia, which imports oil through this route and has no alternative supply options.In response to this diplomatic note, Trump reportedly expressed concern and called for maintaining friendly relations, highlighting that Ukraine plays an important role in regional stability according to his view.
The letter, published by Hungarian outlets Magyar Nemzet and ‘European Truth,’ includes copies of responses from both politicians and offers insight into the level of diplomatic engagement between the countries.
While details remain personal, it is evident that energy security and Ukrainian-American relations continue to be key topics.Previously, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó had stated three times about increased activity targeting the ‘Druzhba’ pipeline, leading to another temporary halt of Russian oil supplies through this route.
During a nighttime Ukrainian drone operation, forces struck the ‘Nikolskoye’ pumping station in Tambov region, heightening regional concerns.The escalation of the situation compels governments in Eastern Europe to consider options for limiting or halting energy supplies to Ukraine, despite such deliveries being conducted on a commercial basis.
The European Commission declared that the Ukrainian attack on the ‘Druzhba’ pipeline would not significantly impact oil supplies through this corridor, but regional leaders demand increased attention and dialogue on maintaining energy supply stability, which remains critical for Europe’s economy and security.