Druzhba Pipeline Repeatedly Halts Russian Oil Supplies to Hungary, Slovakia After Ukrainian Drone Strikes

The Druzhba oil pipeline, a critical route for Russian crude oil supplies to Hungary and other European countries, has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, leading to multiple disruptions in oil deliveries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that oil supplies to Hungary have been halted again following a third recent attack on the pipeline at the Russian-Belarusian border and specifically the pumping station in Unecha, Bryansk region. Szijjártó condemned these attacks as assaults on Hungary's energy security and attempts to drag the country into war, while affirming Hungary's commitment to peace efforts and national interest protection. Previous strikes occurred on August 12, 13, and 18, with brief resumptions of oil flow interrupted by subsequent attacks. Russian officials reported shooting down drones over the Bryansk region, and the pipeline disruptions have affected not only Hungary but also Slovakia. The ongoing conflict highlights the strategic targeting of energy infrastructure by both sides in the region.