Ukrainian Drone Strikes International Oil Pipeline in Russia.

Tensions in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia have escalated following reports of a Ukrainian drone strike targeting a significant international oil pipeline within Russian territory. This incident, which occurred on March 11, 2025, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies and further amplified the conflict’s economic ramifications.

According to reports, the targeted pipeline is the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, one of the world’s largest with a capacity of 2 million barrels per day. This vital artery transports crude oil from Russia to several Central European countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. While the northern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, supplying Poland and Germany, has seen reduced or halted flows due to broader EU sanctions on Russian oil, the southern branch remains a crucial source for nations like Hungary who secured exemptions.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the attack, stating that oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary were halted due to a Ukrainian drone strike on a metering station in Russia’s Oryol Oblast. While repairs were reportedly underway and supplies resumed later the same day in some instances, the incident underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region.

Ukraine has increasingly focused on targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure in what it states is a direct response to the ongoing Russian bombardment of Ukrainian territory. These strategic strikes aim to disrupt the supply lines and revenue streams that directly support Russia’s military operations. Reports indicate that Ukrainian drone strikes have already knocked out approximately 10 percent of Russia’s refining capacity since the beginning of 2025.

The attack on the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial piece of infrastructure for European energy security, carries significant implications. Any prolonged disruption could severely impact the energy supplies of the dependent Central European nations, potentially leading to price volatility and the need to draw upon strategic reserves. While the EU has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian oil, a considerable volume still flows through this pipeline.