Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on 24 August that the security of the Druzhba oil pipeline—and, by extension, "friendship" between Kyiv and Budapest—would depend on Hungary’s political stance toward Ukraine. Asked whether recent strikes on the pipeline could prompt Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government to lift its veto on European Union assistance to Kyiv, Zelensky replied that the future of that "friendship" now rests with Hungary. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó condemned the remark the same day, calling it an attempt to intimidate Budapest and demanding that Kyiv “stop threatening Hungary and end the reckless attacks on our energy security.” The Druzhba line transports Russian crude through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia, making it a critical component of Hungary’s energy supply. Budapest has repeatedly blocked or delayed EU sanctions packages and funding for Ukraine, arguing that they threaten its own energy needs and national interests.