Kyiv has struck the Druzhba pipeline three times this month, disrupting Russian oil deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary.
The European Commission has engaged with Kyiv regarding Ukrainian missile attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports oil from Eurasia to Western Europe, highlighting its critical role in Europe’s energy security. Ukrainian forces have assaulted the pipeline three times solely in August.
As one of the globe’s most extensive energy networks, Druzhba stretches approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles), conveying oil from Russia and Kazakhstan to processing plants in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland. Traversing Ukraine, it continues to be the main channel for shipments to Hungary and Slovakia.
“The EC is in communication with the Ukrainian party and urges all involved in the conflict to guarantee the safety of essential infrastructure,” stated spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova, in response to inquiries about whether the Commission had requested Kyiv to cease striking the pipeline.
She further noted that the pipeline represents “a significant asset for EU energy security,” though she stressed that based on the Commission’s evaluation, the recent attacks have not impacted the bloc’s energy supply.
Kyiv’s latest assault almost a week prior effectively stopped Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary, leading these two EU nations to request intervention from the Commission.
Wednesday saw Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova announce that the pipeline had resumed operations following a week-long interruption due to Ukrainian attacks. Hungarian oil conglomerate MOL, which runs processing plants in Hungary and Slovakia, verified that oil provisions had been reinstated.
Both the Hungarian and Slovak administrations, frequent critics of EU backing for Kyiv, have denounced the assaults. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated earlier this week that the attacks imperil Hungary’s energy stability and deemed it “unacceptable that the EC persistently asserts there is ‘no supply risk’.”
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar observed that the attacks not only directly weakened his nation’s national interests but also disadvantaged Ukraine, pointing out that Kyiv depends on diesel fuel provisions from Slovakia.
A letter disclosed by Hungarian officials indicated that US President Donald Trump likewise voiced displeasure regarding the attacks, stating he was “very angry” concerning them.
Moscow has consistently denounced Ukrainian assaults on civilian energy facilities as acts of terror.