Hungary warns Ukraine over alleged Druzhba pipeline attack

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine of long-term consequences following president Zelensky's statements regarding the alleged attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline.

"President Zelensky has publicly threatened Hungary. He admitted that Ukraine is attacking the Druzhba pipeline because we do not support their accession to the European Union (EU). This further proves that Hungary made the right decision," Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban said on 26/8.

Orban accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky of "directly threatening Budapest" because of statements related to the alleged attack on the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline. He added that actions like "blackmail, bombings, and threats" will not help a country join the EU.

"Mr. Zelensky's statements will have long-term consequences," the Hungarian prime minister emphasized.

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban speaks in Budapest in February 2024. Photo: AFP

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban speaks in Budapest in February 2024. Photo: AFP

On 24/8, the Ukrainian president appeared to confirm the link between the alleged Druzhba pipeline attacks and Ukraine-Hungary discussions, with the main issue being prime minister Orban's veto of the EU's process of admitting Kyiv.

"We have always supported friendship between Ukraine and Hungary. Now, the existence of 'Druzhba' depends on Hungary's stance," Zelensky said.

Druzhba is both the name of the Russian oil pipeline to Hungary and the word for "friendship" in Ukrainian.

According to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Hungary and Slovakia still import large quantities of crude oil and gas from Russia via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline. This pipeline passes through Ukrainian territory and is used to transport Russian oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and other countries in Central Europe.