Ukrainian Foreign Minister responds to Hungary over Druzhba pipeline complaints
Andrii Sybiha (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha advised Hungary to free itself from dependence on Russia, according to his Twitter.
What preceded this
In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have carried out several attacks on the Russian Druzhba pipeline, which transports oil from Russia to Europe, including Hungary and Slovakia. Following the attacks, pumping operations were suspended.
At a press conference on August 24, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to a question, stated that Ukraine has always supported friendship between nations. However, he emphasized that the future of the Druzhba oil pipeline, as well as the political friendship between Ukraine and Hungary, will now depend on Budapest’s position.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed that President Zelenskyy allegedly used Ukraine’s Independence Day to threaten Hungary. He also complained about Ukrainian attacks, framing them as a violation of Hungary’s sovereignty.
“In recent days Ukraine has carried out serious attacks against our energy supply. An attack on energy security is an attack on sovereignty,” Szijjártó said.
Sybiha’s response
In reply to Szijjártó’s statement, Sybiha chose to respond in the Hungarian style.
“You don’t need to tell the Ukrainian President what to do or say, and when. He is the President of Ukraine, not Hungary. Hungary’s energy security is in your own hands. Diversify and become independent from Russia, like the rest of Europe,” he wrote.
To this, Szijjártó again reiterated that the war is not Hungary’s.
“We call on @ZelenskyyUa to stop threatening Hungary and to end the reckless attacks on our energy security!,” he replied to Sybiha.
Strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline
On August 13 and 18, the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out drone strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline. In particular, one of the attacks caused a fire at the facility, prompting the Russians to completely halt oil pumping through the pipeline.
On August 21, Ukrainian drones launched a third strike, this time targeting the Unecha station, which is also part of the Druzhba pipeline. Following this, the pumping of oil to Hungary and Slovakia was suspended.
