Background on Key Players and Context
Hungary and Slovakia have experienced disruptions in their crude oil supply from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline, according to reports from Hungarian and Slovak authorities. These disruptions are attributed to an alleged Ukrainian attack on a part of the Druzhba network, which Hungary is blaming.
Ukraine has escalated attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, targeting a crucial revenue source for the Kremlin’s military efforts. Oil and gas sales account for a quarter of Russia’s total state budget income.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha neither confirmed nor denied the attack allegation but clarified on social media that Hungary should direct its concerns to Moscow, not Kyiv.
Timing and Implications of the Disruption
These supply disruptions coincide with a scheduled meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Washington later the same day. The meeting aims to pressure Kyiv into accepting a peace agreement with Russia, alongside European leaders.
Unlike most EU countries, Hungary has maintained its reliance on Russian energy since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Hungary imports most of its oil via the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Belarus and Ukraine to reach Hungary and Slovakia.
Previously, in March, the Druzhba pipeline experienced a brief suspension following another Ukrainian attack on a measurement station.
Hungarian Response and Ongoing Situation
Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, communicated on Facebook that he spoke with Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin. Sorokin informed Szijjártó that experts are working to restore the transformer station, but it remains unclear when deliveries will resume.
“This latest attack on our energy security is outrageous and unacceptable,” Szijjártó stated, without providing further details about the attack’s location or timing.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the nature of the disruption? The oil supply to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline has been interrupted due to an alleged Ukrainian attack on a part of the network.
- Who is affected by this disruption? Hungary and Slovakia are primarily impacted, as they heavily depend on Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
- What is the context surrounding these events? Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, targeting a significant source of revenue for the Kremlin’s military endeavors.
- What is the significance of the meeting between Zelensky and Trump? The meeting aims to persuade Kyiv to accept a peace agreement with Russia, supported by European leaders.
- How has Hungary responded to the disruption? Hungarian authorities have blamed Ukraine for the attack, and Minister Szijjártó has expressed strong disapproval while coordinating with Russian officials to restore the pipeline.
