The Hungarian Ministry of Defense is in the spotlight as its head, Peter Szijjarto, stated that Budapest has asked the European Commission and Kyiv for clarification regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline situation. He disclosed the development during a live broadcast on Kossuth radio, underscoring the seriousness with which Hungary views the issue.
Szijjarto emphasized that Kyiv has yet to provide any explanation on the matter. He argued that energy security touches the core of national sovereignty and that the President of the European Commission should personally address the issue to reassure member states and partners. The defense minister noted that Hungary interprets the alleged disruption to Druzhba as an infringement on its energy security and a breach of the transit arrangements that, by international agreements, require oil to flow through Ukraine via Druzhba.
The announcement comes amid broader EU concerns about the pipeline and its role in regional energy resilience. A central point in the dialogue is whether Brussels advised Kyiv to block or constrain flows through Druzhba, a question Szijjarto linked to essential questions of energy supply security and state sovereignty.
Historical context adds significance to the moment. Reports from earlier in May described an attack on the Druzhba line in the Bryansk region. The targeted impact affected three empty tanks used to store petroleum products, each showing holes of approximately ten centimeters. There were no resulting leaks or fires, but the incident has raised concerns about the reliability of energy transit routes and the potential for further disruptions in the region.
Hungary has consistently stressed the importance of uninterrupted energy supplies for its industry and households. Observers note that the Druzhba pipeline forms a critical link in the broader supply network that connects Russian crude to storage and refining facilities across Central Europe. In this context, Budapest argues that any interruption in transit oil through Ukraine must be assessed not only as a technical matter but also as a strategic challenge to national security and regional stability. The government has urged European allies to coordinate a clear and timely response to safeguard the continuity of energy flows and to reaffirm the commitments embedded in international energy transit agreements.
Analysts point out that the current episode arrives at a moment when European leaders are balancing the goals of energy diversification, supply security, and market stability. The call for direct and authoritative statements from top EU leadership reflects a desire for transparent accountability and a roadmap that minimizes risk to member economies. For Hungary, the priority remains ensuring that transit corridors remain open and predictable, preserving sovereignty over critical energy infrastructure while engaging in constructive dialogue with partners in Brussels and Kyiv.
Officials in Budapest have signaled readiness to participate in urgent consultations aimed at validating the status of Druzhba and the expected transit schedule. The objective is to restore confidence in the pipeline’s operation and to confirm that all parties uphold their responsibilities under existing transit accords. In the interim, Hungary continues to monitor the situation closely, prepared to adjust its energy security posture in line with developments in Ukraine and across the European Union, with a focus on safeguarding essential supplies while upholding regional stability and economic continuity.
In summary, Hungary’s leadership frames the Druzhba issue as a matter of sovereignty tied to energy security. The call for clarity from Brussels and Kyiv reflects a broader effort to ensure resilient energy networks that can withstand political and security shocks. As the situation evolves, observers will be watching for concrete steps from the European Commission, Kyiv, and the broader international community to affirm commitments to open transit, safeguard strategic infrastructure, and protect the uninterrupted flow of oil to Central and Eastern Europe.