On August 22, 2025, a significant diplomatic incident unfolded when the Foreign Ministers of Hungary and Slovakia urged the European Commission to take action against Ukraine for its recent strikes on the Druzba oil pipeline in Russia. The latest attack targeted the Unecha oil pumping station, marking the third incident within a week and effectively halting Russian oil deliveries to both Hungary and Slovakia, countries that continue to import substantial quantities of Russian oil. The letter from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár expressed deep frustration, stating that Ukraine’s actions jeopardize the energy security of these nations. Notably, they referenced the massive financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine in recent years, viewing these strikes as irresponsible and dangerous.
Despite Ukraine not officially taking responsibility for the attacks, Robert Brovdi, the head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, shared footage of the bombing on social media, which garnered extensive attention. His post included a message in Hungarian, urging Russians to leave, further escalating tensions between Ukraine and its neighbors. Szijjártó emphasized the consequences of the attacks, indicating that oil deliveries would be suspended for at least five days, adding a pointed remark that the damage primarily affects Hungary and Slovakia rather than Russia. This situation underscores the fragile energy dynamics in Central Europe, especially with Hungary and Slovakia being the last EU states heavily reliant on Russian oil amid ongoing geopolitical frictions.
The Druzba pipeline, a crucial route for oil transportation from Russia to Central Europe, runs through Ukraine and Belarus. It highlights the delicate balance of energy reliance within the EU, as Hungary and Slovakia managed to obtain exemptions from broader EU sanctions against Russian oil. The implications of these strikes extend beyond immediate economic concerns; they exacerbate existing tensions within the EU regarding solidarity and support among member states. As Hungary and Slovakia push back against Ukraine’s actions, this incident raises questions about the stability of energy supplies and the broader implications for EU cohesion.
In a quick response to the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump conveyed his displeasure regarding the attacks in a handwritten note addressed to Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban. Trump’s reaction reflects the importance of transatlantic relations and their impact on the European security landscape. His message emphasized his friendship with the Hungarian leader while acknowledging the complexities of the situation. This reaction highlights the external influences at play, as the US has been closely monitoring the energy security challenges faced by its European allies amid the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine.
Further complicating the diplomatic landscape, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski weighed in, suggesting that Ukraine’s actions might be an attempt to involve Hungary more deeply in the war. Sikorski’s tweet served as a reminder of the tensions within the region and the often-contentious relationships among neighboring states. His comment pointed to the historical context of Hungary’s frequent vetoes in the EU regarding support for Ukraine, highlighting the intricate web of alliances and grievances that characterize the contemporary geopolitical climate in Europe.
Despite the heightened rhetoric and concerns raised by Hungary and Slovakia, the European Commission has maintained that the overall security of oil supply in the EU remains unaffected. They confirmed receipt of the ministers’ letter while reiterating that each member state must maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports. This regulatory framework offers a safety net for countries facing supply disruptions, and until now, neither Hungary nor Slovakia has indicated any need to tap into these reserves. The Commission’s position underscores a belief that the situation, while serious, does not pose an immediate threat to the collective energy security of the EU, showcasing the complexity of managing member state concerns within a larger unified framework.
