Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto Peter criticized Ukraine on 18/8 for allegedly attacking the Druzhba oil pipeline. "Ukraine once again attacked the oil pipeline to Hungary, cutting off our supply. This recent attack on our energy security is absurd and unacceptable," he said.
According to Peter, this was the second drone attack by Ukraine on the Druzhba pipeline from Russia to Hungary in a week, following an earlier attack on 13/8.
Peter said he had spoken with Russia's Deputy Energy Minister about fixing the issue, but couldn't say when the crude oil flow from Moscow to Budapest would be restored.
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A section of the Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia in Szazhalombatta, Hungary. Photo: Reuters |
A section of the Druzhba oil pipeline between Hungary and Russia in Szazhalombatta, Hungary. Photo: Reuters
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered Peter's criticisms, though he didn't directly comment on the Druzhba pipeline disruption. "For years, Hungary has been advised that Russia is an unreliable partner. Despite this, Hungary has persisted in its dependence on Russia. Now you can address your complaints and threats to your friend in Moscow," Sybiha stated.
Sybiha added that "it is Russia, not Ukraine, who started this war and refuses to end it". He also mentioned Russia's attack on Azerbaijani-owned oil depots in Odessa, southern Ukraine, and called for increased cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
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The route of the Druzhba oil pipeline (green) from Russia through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia. Graphic: Aspenia Online. |
The route of the Druzhba oil pipeline (green) from Russia through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia. Graphic: Aspenia Online.
According to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Hungary and Slovakia still import significant amounts of crude oil and gas from Russia via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline.
Slovakia's pipeline operator, Transpetrol, confirmed on 18/8 that the country's oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline had been temporarily halted. The reason was unclear, as the issue lies outside Slovakian territory.
Ngoc Anh (According to CNN, AFP, Reuters)
