By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following a recent drone and missile attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk region, Hungary and Slovakia are requesting the European Commission to pressure Ukraine to halt attacks on the pipeline. This incident marks the third disruption to the pipeline in under two weeks, which supplies oil to both countries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó condemned the strike as an attempt to involve Hungary in the war and asserted that his country will continue to support peace efforts while defending its national interests. Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that the attack has also disrupted oil deliveries to Slovakia.
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Hungary and Slovakia’s demand for Ukraine to cease attacks on the Druzhba pipeline is really quite something, isn’t it? It’s like they’re genuinely surprised. You know, they had choices. They could have diversified their energy sources. They could have, maybe just maybe, not hitched their wagons to a regime that’s actively waging a brutal war of aggression. But no, they doubled down on Russian gas, and now they’re upset that the very country being invaded is striking back at the source of the aggressor’s income. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for ‘em.
Now, let’s be frank, Russia is the one causing the problem. They’re the ones who started the war. Ukraine, quite understandably, is defending itself. The Druzhba pipeline is a key artery for Russia’s finances, helping them fund this whole mess. So, from Ukraine’s perspective, why wouldn’t they target it? It’s simple: if you’re at war, you hit the enemy where it hurts, especially when the enemy is a lying, genocidal maniac. Instead of begging Ukraine to stop, perhaps Hungary and Slovakia should, you know, demand that Russia get out of Ukraine. It’s that simple.
The whole situation is a bit… rich. These countries had years, even before the full-scale invasion, to lessen their dependence on Russian energy. They saw the writing on the wall. The EU has been trying to wean itself off Russian gas, offering alternatives, but these two? They seemed perfectly content to snuggle up with Putin and his “cheap” energy. The “cheap” energy that is now being used to fund the war?
It’s like they’re complaining about the consequences of their own choices. They prioritized cheap gas over national security, over solidarity with a neighboring country, over morality. They even got exemptions from sanctions, which is just mind-boggling. Now they’re shocked that Ukraine is trying to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund the war? Oh, the humanity! Maybe those leaders are just trying to get into Putin’s good books, and have forgotten what’s right and wrong, not to mention what’s in their country’s best interest. Perhaps they just have a thing for Russian dictators.
Let’s be clear: the real solution here isn’t for Ukraine to stop defending itself. The solution is for Russia to end the war and withdraw from Ukraine. Until then, all bets are off. Any infrastructure used to fuel this horrific war is a valid target. So instead of pleading with Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia should be shouting from the rooftops for Russia to stop its attacks and leave Ukrainian territory.
It’s also worth pointing out the hypocrisy here. These are the same leaders who have, at times, blocked or hindered aid to Ukraine. They’re more interested in protecting their precious gas supply than supporting the country that’s fighting for its survival, it’s freedoms and democratic values. It is shocking, frankly, and makes you wonder whose side they’re really on. It’s not exactly a shining example of European solidarity, is it?
They seem to have forgotten the basic rules of engagement here. This is a war of attrition, an economic war. Ukraine has to hit Russia where it hurts the most. That means targeting all sources of revenue, including the pipeline. If you make a strategic choice to rely on the gas coming from a country currently at war, what did they expect? It would be like a nation asking the other side in a war to stop fighting. That would be absurd.
Let’s be honest, the situation is a little tragic. Here are two countries whining about the inconvenience of war while millions of Ukrainians are suffering. They have the gall to complain about the disruption to their gas supply when the neighbor country they are supposed to stand with is under attack. There is a certain amount of irony in it. They had a chance to diversify, to stand with Ukraine, to support the EU’s efforts to break free from Russian energy dependence. They chose differently. They sided with Putin. And now, they’re paying the price.
It is time to remember what is actually going on. It is time to call out the hypocrisy and to support Ukraine in its fight against aggression. Demand that Russia leave Ukraine. That is the only viable solution.