Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended the country’s recent missile and drone strikes on Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers crude to Hungary and Slovakia, describing the actions as a form of “sanctions.” Speaking at a joint press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelenskyy framed the strikes as a strategic measure to curb Russia’s oil revenue, saying they “reduce the possibilities” for Hungary and Slovakia to obtain the corresponding oil.
The attacks, which took place repeatedly in August, notably targeted the Unecha and Nikolskoye pumping stations in Bryansk Oblast, causing temporary halts in oil deliveries. Although supplies were later restored, the disruptions prompted strong reactions from Budapest and Bratislava. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó condemned the strikes as “unacceptable” and called on the European Commission to act to protect their energy security.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico similarly voiced discontent, warning of harsh retaliation and indicating he would discuss the issue directly with Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy also pointed to growing international concern: he referenced a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing European nations—specifically naming Hungary and Slovakia—for continuing to buy Russian oil and thereby fueling Russia’s war economy. Trump reportedly wrote to Prime Minister Orbán expressing his displeasure: “I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials including Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak plan to meet with European Council President António Costa and Slovak PM Fico to address the fallout from the pipeline disruptions and advocate phasing out Russian oil transit through Ukraine.
