Russian crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline were suspended on Monday, officials from both countries confirmed, with Hungary attributing the disruption to a Ukrainian attack on part of the network.
Ukraine Accused, Kyiv Remains Ambiguous
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated on Facebook that he had spoken to Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin, who assured him that experts were working to restore a damaged transformer station. However, the timeline for resuming oil deliveries remains unclear. Szijjártó described the incident as “outrageous and unacceptable” but did not specify when or where the alleged attack occurred.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha neither confirmed nor denied involvement, noting on X that Hungary “can now send complaints” to Moscow, not Kyiv. Sybiha stressed that Russia, not Ukraine, initiated the war and continues to refuse peace, warning that Moscow has historically been an unreliable partner for energy supplies.
Strategic Importance of the Druzhba Pipeline
Unlike the majority of EU countries, Hungary has continued to rely heavily on Russian oil, especially through the Druzhba pipeline.The Soviet-built network runs through Belarus and Ukraine before reaching Hungary and Slovakia. In 2024, Russia supplied 4.78 million metric tons of oil, roughly 95,000 barrels per day, to Hungary via this route.
Slovak pipeline operator Transpetrol confirmed that oil flows to Slovakia had also stopped, citing that the suspension occurred outside Slovak territory. The company emphasized that transportation within Slovakia continued as per the pumping plan.
Ukraine Strikes and Geopolitical Pressure
The suspension coincides with increased Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which is a vital source of funding for Moscow’s war endeavors. Last week, Ukraine reported drone strikes on an oil pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region.
The supply disruption coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington, aimed at negotiating a peace deal with Russia.
Also Read: ‘Best Conversation Yet’: Trump Welcomes Zelensky to White House for Key Trilateral Dialogue
Regional Supply Security
Hungarian oil company MOL reassured that regional oil supplies remain stable. In a statement, the company confirmed that technical restoration is underway, and crude oil deliveries will resume once repairs are completed.
Hungary had previously declared the Druzhba pipeline as its primary crude oil import route, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on Russian energy even amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
