Image Credit: X account @ZelenskyyUa
Ukraine Hits Oil Pipeline Supplying Hungary, Slovakia
On August 22, 2025, Ukrainian forces struck the Unecha oil pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, part of the Druzhba pipeline network. The facility is a key link for transporting Russian crude to Central Europe. The attack, carried out using drones and rockets, triggered a major fire and forced oil flows to be halted.
Impact on Hungary and Slovakia
Hungary confirmed that crude oil deliveries had stopped following the strike. Slovakia also reported supply disruptions, warning that the suspension could last several days. Both countries are among the few EU states still reliant on Russian oil through the Druzhba route, despite EU goals to phase out such imports by 2027.
Ukraine’s Strategy
Ukraine’s military said the strike was part of a wider campaign to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and cut off its vital export revenues. By targeting refineries, depots, and pipelines, Kyiv hopes to limit Moscow’s ability to finance the war. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces claimed responsibility for the operation.
Russia’s Response
Russian authorities in Bryansk stated that emergency crews managed to bring the fire under control. Officials also claimed that many of the drones involved in the attack were intercepted by air defense systems. However, the temporary shutdown of the pipeline highlights the vulnerability of Russian energy facilities.
Escalating Energy Conflict
The Unecha strike adds to a series of recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. At the same time, Russia has continued to hit Ukrainian energy assets, including natural gas facilities. These tit-for-tat strikes have raised concerns across Europe about the conflict’s growing impact on regional energy security.
