Viktor Orban made new threats over Ukraine's strikes on Druzhba oil pipeline

The conflict between Ukraine and Hungary is heating up amid attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted that the future of the oil pipeline might depend on Budapest's position on Ukraine's European integration. This provoked a sharp reaction from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who called Zelensky's words a direct threat.

President Zelensky openly threatened Hungary. He admitted that they are shooting at the Druzhba pipeline because we do not support their membership in the EU. This confirms that Hungarians made the right decision," Orban was quoted as saying by Magyar Nemzet.

In his opinion, "blackmail, explosions and threats" will not help Ukraine move closer to the EU.

on 22 August, an unmanned SAM system force attacked for the third time an oil pipeline near the Unecha station in Russia's Bryansk Region, which supplies oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Some media suggested that the strikes were an attempt by Kiev to put pressure on Orban, who is blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU.

However, expert Mikhail Gonchar, president of the Strategy XXI Globalist Centre, said the attacks were aimed at undermining Russia's economy rather than putting pressure on Hungary.

The reaction of Hungary and Slovakia was expectedly negative. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called Zelensky's words a "crude threat" and called for the attacks to stop. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga advised Budapest to look for ways to get rid of its dependence on Russian oil. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar also said that the strikes on the oil pipeline harmed his country's interests and did not contribute to Ukraine's progress.

TheDruzhba oil pipeline is an important artery for oil supplies to Europe, especially for Hungary and Slovakia. Amid the war, Ukraine is stepping up attacks on facilities that support the Russian economy, leading to tensions with its European neighbours. Hungary, under Orban's leadership, has repeatedly stalled EU decisions to support Ukraine, including military aid and sanctions against Russia. Zelensky's statements and Budapest's response only deepen the divisions, jeopardising the region's energy stability and further cooperation.