The Druzhba pipeline connects Russian oil fields with several European countries. For Hungary and Slovakia, this connection is a vital source of energy. Since the attack, their supply has completely stopped. Hungary and Slovakia have asked Brussels for guarantees on their energy security and protection against the recurrence of such attacks.
The European Union has an import ban on Russian oil and gas but granted Hungary and Slovakia temporary exemptions. These countries were given extra time to gradually reduce their dependence on Russian energy. However, due to the recent Ukrainian attack, they have been suddenly cut off and fear serious economic and social consequences.
The direct impact on Hungary and Slovakia is significant, but other countries are also closely monitoring the situation. According to both governments, the attack endangers their national security. They believe European institutions are obliged to defend their interests.
Meanwhile, Ukraine emphasizes that it has received much European support over the years in the fight against the Russian occupation, while at the same time European companies continue to do business with Russia. Attention is drawn to the ongoing import of Russian agricultural and food products. This contradiction fuels tensions in the relationship.
Reactions have also come from outside Europe. U.S. President Trump stated he was furious about the Ukrainian actions. He criticized that a pipeline on Russian territory, supplying oil to the West, was targeted by Ukrainian drones.
The attack on the Druzhba pipeline recalls earlier incidents. Earlier this week, a Ukrainian soldier was arrested in Italy. He is suspected of involvement in the explosions of the Russian-German Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea nearly three years ago. That attack abruptly ended the large-scale Russian energy exports to Europe at the time.