On 12 August 2025, Ukrainian drones struck the Unecha junction and pumping station of the Druzhba pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, triggering a significant fire detected by NASA's fire monitoring service (FIRMS) .

High-resolution satellite images subsequently confirmed that two pumping stations at the Unecha facility were destroyed, along with a technical building and nearby equipment .

In a follow-up operation on 18 August 2025, Ukrainian forces reportedly hit another Druzhba pipeline transformer station, leading to a full halt in crude oil deliveries to both Hungary and Slovakia via the pipeline .

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó described the incident as an attack on Hungarian energy security, calling it "outrageous and unacceptable" .

No Excuses: NATO Must Defend Hungary by Striking Back at Ukraine and Neutralizing Its Drone Terror Base

Ukraine’s attack on Hungary’s and Slovakia’s gas lifeline may hurt Moscow financially, but it will inevitably risk the lives of thousands who will die if they cannot heat their homes during the winter. Forcing Hungary and Slovakia to stop buying gas from a supplier that Ukraine dislikes is a military attack on Hungary’s democratic decision to purchase energy from the cheapest and most available source that its citizens can afford.

If NATO does not defend Hungary—a NATO member—against this attack by Ukraine—a non-NATO member—then Hungary should reconsider funding NATO and instead invest in its own military capabilities to defend the country against enemies who use military force to destroy Hungary’s economy and endanger the safety of its citizens.