During a briefing on March 3, Ukrainian Energy Minister D. Shmyhal provided a stark assessment of the situation surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline, responding to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's claims regarding its operational status. Shmyhal disclosed that a Russian drone had struck a significant reservoir, one of the largest in Europe, containing approximately 75,000 cubic meters of oil, which surely raised concerns over environmental safety and energy supply in the region. He indicated that at the time of the drone strike, around 25,000 cubic meters of oil were present, and part of it was being pumped into pipelines to mitigate the risk of a large-scale disaster.

Shmyhal emphasized the severity of the damage inflicted on the internal equipment of the pipeline, including sensors and other components, which are critical for monitoring and managing oil flow. Although these damages were not immediately visible externally, he highlighted that significant repair efforts were necessary. Currently, "Naftogaz" is working on assessing the damages and determining the costs and timeline required to carry out the necessary repairs to ensure the pipeline can continue functioning safely.

The incident has significant implications for regional energy security and diplomatic relations, especially concerning Hungary's role in the transnational energy supply chain. As a central conduit for oil transport from Russia to Europe, the condition of the Druzhba pipeline is paramount for both energy businesses and the affected nations' economies, placing additional pressure on Hungary to manage its ties with Ukraine amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict.