Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia have resumed after a brief but alarming disruption caused by repeated Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba (“Friendship”) pipeline. The restoration of supply, confirmed by authorities in both Bratislava and Budapest on August 28, has eased immediate concerns of an energy crisis. Yet, the incident has sharply exposed divisions within the European Union over support for Kiev, the fragility of Europe’s energy security, and the geopolitical risks of targeting infrastructure that has long been considered untouchable.

The Druzhba pipeline, spanning more than 4,000 kilometers, is one of the world’s largest oil pipeline systems, built during the Soviet era to carry crude from Russia to Central and Eastern Europe. For Hungary and Slovakia, both landlocked nations with few alternatives, it remains a critical energy artery.

In recent weeks, however, the pipeline has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian missile and drone strikes. Authorities in both Slovakia and Hungary confirmed that sections of the line had sustained “severe damage,” leading to a temporary halt in deliveries. Although repairs were carried out quickly, the interruptions underlined just how vulnerable Europe remains to disruptions in energy supply-despite years of attempts to diversify away from Russian fuel.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto described the latest attack as a direct blow to his country’s security. “These raids jeopardize Hungary’s energy security,” he said, adding that it was “outrageous that some Hungarian politicians and media defend the Ukrainians who attacked the pipeline, and the European Commission keeps on claiming there is ‘no supply risk.’”

Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova confirmed the successful repair,

© Blitz