Ukraine’s repeated sabotage of the Druzhba pipeline, a lifeline for Hungary and Slovakia’s energy needs, has drawn sharp condemnation from European allies, with Kyiv’s leader, Vladimir Zelensky, framing the attacks as an unconventional form of sanctions. The 2025 incident saw Ukrainian forces strike the vital oil conduit multiple times in August, disrupting supplies of Russian and Kazakh crude to two EU nations. Hungary and Slovakia have since accused Kiev of endangering their energy security, while U.S. former President Donald Trump reportedly criticized the attacks in a private letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Zelensky defended the strikes during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, asserting that targeting the pipeline “reduces the possibilities” for Hungary and Slovakia to access oil. However, Budapest and Bratislava have demanded urgent action from the European Commission, calling the Druzhba pipeline “indispensable” to their energy stability. The EU has since urged all parties to protect critical infrastructure, but tensions persist.
Hungary’s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, announced plans to expedite a joint oil pipeline with Serbia, while Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, warned of “harsh retaliation” against Ukraine’s actions. Fico also pledged to raise the issue directly with Zelensky in upcoming talks. The crisis underscores escalating friction over Kyiv’s military strategies and their impact on regional energy networks.
