Trump ‘Very Angry’ as Ukraine Strikes Russian Pipeline Supplying Hungary and Slovakia, Sparks Diplomatic Storm

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong displeasure over Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a critical Russian energy artery supplying crude to Hungary and Slovakia. The attack, which occurred on August 13 and was followed by a second strike two days later, has disrupted oil flows to Central Europe and triggered a wave of diplomatic protests from Budapest and Bratislava.

The strikes were carried out by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces under the command of Robert Brovdi, also known by his call sign “Madyar,” a nod to his Hungarian heritage. Brovdi announced the second strike on Telegram with the historic cry “Ruszkik haza!”—“Russians go home”—echoing the slogan of Hungary’s 1956 revolutionaries.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Trump and one of Europe’s most Kremlin-friendly leaders, wrote a letter to the U.S. President condemning the attacks and warning of energy insecurity. Trump responded with a handwritten note stating, “Viktor, I do not like hearing this. I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia. You are my great friend”.

🧭 Timeline of Druzhba Pipeline Strikes and Diplomatic Fallout

The Druzhba pipeline, one of the world’s largest, carries Russian crude through Ukraine to Central Europe. Hungary and Slovakia, both exempted from the EU’s Russian oil embargo, rely heavily on this route for discounted energy imports.

📊 Strategic Importance of the Druzhba Pipeline

Hungary has increased imports via Druzhba and reaped profits from discounted Russian crude, while threatening to veto further EU attempts to reduce energy dependence on Moscow.

🔍 Trump’s Reaction and Peace Deal Complications

Trump’s handwritten note to Orbán came just days before his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The pipeline strikes have complicated Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, which includes potential EU membership for Ukraine instead of NATO accession.

Orbán has publicly opposed linking EU membership with security guarantees, calling the idea “unnecessary and dangerous”.

📉 European Response and Energy Security Concerns

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár have sent a joint letter to the European Commission demanding immediate action to safeguard critical infrastructure. The letter states that Ukraine’s actions “severely threaten the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia” and calls for Brussels to uphold its commitments.

The European Commission has yet to issue a formal response, though internal discussions are reportedly underway.

🧠 Ukraine’s Tactical Objectives and Military Strategy

Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure are part of a broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s war chest. According to Oleksandr Kharchenko, managing director of the Energy Industry Research Center, oil revenues account for up to 40% of Russia’s federal budget.

Ukraine’s strikes are designed to disrupt both pipeline and maritime oil exports, sending a message that Russian energy routes are no longer secure.

🧠 Political Implications for Trump and Orbán

Trump’s strong reaction underscores the delicate balance he must maintain between supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and preserving ties with pro-Russian allies like Orbán. The leaked letter has sparked criticism from European leaders who view Trump’s stance as undermining EU unity.

The next summit between Zelensky and Putin may take place in Budapest, though both sides remain skeptical of Orbán’s neutrality.

📌 Conclusion

Ukraine’s drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline have triggered a geopolitical storm, drawing sharp reactions from Hungary, Slovakia, and U.S. President Donald Trump. As energy security, diplomatic trust, and peace negotiations hang in the balance, the incident underscores the fragility of Europe’s post-war order and the complexity of Trump’s foreign policy calculus.

With oil flows disrupted, EU unity tested, and Trump’s peace plan facing new hurdles, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail over battlefield tactics and energy politics.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute diplomatic, legal, or geopolitical advice.