Drone Strike on Russian Druzhba Pipeline an “Attack on Hungary’s Sovereignty,” Says Hungarian FM

Hungary has temporarily halted oil imports from Russia after a Ukrainian drone strike targeted a measuring station of the Druzhba pipeline, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced on March 11.

“During the night, a Ukrainian drone attacked a measuring station of the Druzhba oil pipeline… As a result, oil deliveries to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline had to be temporarily suspended,” Szijjártó stated in a video message on social media.

The minister emphasized that Hungary considers attacks on critical energy infrastructure “unacceptable,” underscoring the strategic importance of the Druzhba pipeline for the country’s energy security.

“The Druzhba pipeline is essential for Hungary’s oil supply. If its operation becomes impossible, the physical delivery of oil to Hungary and Slovakia will be nearly impossible… Hungary’s energy security is a matter of sovereignty, and we expect everyone to respect it,” Szijjártó added.

According to Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin, the attack caused damage to the measuring station, preventing oil transportation at the moment. However, he noted that repair work was already underway, and if no further disruptions occur, oil deliveries could resume by late afternoon or early evening.

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Hungary has previously voiced concerns over attacks on energy infrastructure, viewing them as threats to its national interests. The European Commission had assured Hungary of stable energy supplies, but officials in Budapest argue that such attacks challenge those guarantees.

The Druzhba pipeline, one of the longest oil pipelines in the world, supplies Russian crude to several European countries. Its southern branch delivers oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, making it a vital component of the region’s energy security.

Earlier, Moscow and its surrounding region experienced the largest drone attack since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, dozens of explosive drones struck the capital overnight, causing fires and damaging residential buildings. Russian air defenses, including Pantsir-S1 missile systems, attempted to intercept the drones, but many penetrated the airspace, with debris hitting urban areas.

The attack led to temporary flight suspensions at Moscow’s Zhukovsky and Domodedovo airports. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 337 drones across multiple regions, though significant damage was reported on the ground.