Hungary, Slovakia fear oil cuts after Ukrainian attack on Russian pipeline
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration after Ukraine launched drone strikes on a key Russian oil pipeline that supplies Hungary and parts of Central Europe.
The Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian crude through Ukraine to Hungary, Slovakia, and other neighboring countries, was targeted twice in mid-August. The attacks were carried out by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, led by Commander Robert Brovdi, also known as “Madyar” — a nickname highlighting his Hungarian roots.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, one of Trump’s close allies in Europe, quickly complained to the U.S. president. In a letter shared by Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, Trump responded sharply:
“Viktor — I do not like hearing this. I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia. You are my great friend.”
Orbán, who has maintained close ties with Moscow despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, accused Kyiv of acting against Hungary’s interests.
“Hungary supports Ukraine with electricity and petrol, in return they bomb the pipeline that supplies us. Very unfriendly move,” he wrote.
The pipeline was repaired by August 19, but another strike followed just two days later. Brovdi even announced the second attack on Telegram, using the Hungarian freedom-fighter slogan “Ruszkik haza!” meaning “Russians go home.”
Hungary and Slovakia have since urged the European Commission to step in, warning that oil deliveries could be disrupted for up to five days. Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, criticized Brussels directly, saying:
“They are the EUROPEAN Commission, not the Ukrainian Commission!”
For now, Hungary continues to rely heavily on discounted Russian crude, thanks to a temporary exemption from EU sanctions. Budapest has also threatened to block any further European efforts to cut Russian energy imports.
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