Trump Criticizes Ukraine After Drone Strikes Disrupt Oil Supplies to Hungary
Former President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Ukraine following recent drone attacks that temporarily halted oil deliveries to Hungary—a country he frequently describes as a close partner.
Drone Strikes Target Critical Pipeline Infrastructure
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, commanded by Robert Brovdi (call sign “Madyar”), confirmed that Ukrainian drones successfully struck the Unecha oil pumping station in Russia. This station plays a crucial role in the Druzhba pipeline system, and the latest strike is expected to temporarily suspend oil flows to Hungary.
The Unecha facility had already suffered an earlier attack this month, resulting in fires and significant damage before repairs were completed on August 19. Friday’s strike marks the second major disruption in just a few weeks, raising concerns about regional energy stability.
Orbán and Trump Exchange Strong Words
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized Ukraine sharply, emphasizing that the attacks directly threaten Hungary’s energy security. He highlighted that Hungary has provided electricity and fuel to Ukraine, framing the strikes as a betrayal.
“Hungary provides Ukraine with energy support, and in return they hit the pipelines that supply us. This is not an act of friendship,” Orbán said, while also supporting Trump’s call for renewed regional negotiations.
Trump publicly sided with Orbán, stating:
“I don’t like hearing this. I am very upset about it. You are a great friend of mine.”
Regional Concerns and EU Response
The attack prompted Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to jointly notify the European Commission.
They warned that continued strikes by Ukraine threaten the energy security of both Hungary and Slovakia, urging stronger EU protections for critical infrastructure. The ministers noted that Ukraine’s actions are particularly concerning given the substantial financial and military aid the EU has provided to Kyiv.
Escalation Beyond Hungary
Russian officials also accused Ukraine of targeting energy facilities in the Kursk region, claiming that drones struck a transformer connected to a nuclear power plant. Although the strike caused a fire, authorities confirmed it was quickly contained with no injuries or radiation risks.
Looking Ahead
The disruption to the Druzhba pipeline adds fresh pressure on already strained relationships between Ukraine and neighboring countries. For Trump—who has positioned himself as a mediator in the conflict—the incident highlights the difficulty of balancing U.S. support for Ukraine with the energy security concerns of European nations dependent on Russian pipelines.
Conclusion
Friday’s drone strike on the Druzhba pipeline has intensified political and diplomatic tensions in the region. Hungary and Slovakia are calling for stronger protections for essential infrastructure, while Trump’s criticism of Ukraine adds another layer to an already complex situation. The incident underscores the fragility of regional energy security and how a single strategic attack can ripple across borders, affecting international stability.