Hungary Bans Ukrainian Commander Amid Rising Tensions Over Druzhba Pipeline Attacks
On August 28, 2025, Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto announced a ban on Robert Brovdy, the commander of a Ukrainian military unit, from entering Hungary and the entire Schengen Area, citing “a national security risk” following recent attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, reports 24brussels.
Szijjarto described the latest strike as “an assault on Hungary’s sovereignty” and emphasized that the consequences would be significant. This recent attack was particularly alarming as it lasted long enough to nearly force Hungary to utilize its strategic reserves.
Brovdy, a businessman and founder of the “Madyar’s Birds” drone unit, will face a three-year entry ban. Ukraine has reportedly conducted three separate attacks in recent weeks targeting the Druzhba pipeline, significantly disrupting Hungary’s energy supply.
In a statement, Szijjarto confirmed that Hungary had suspended crude oil deliveries following a previous attack at the Russian-Belarusian border, labeling it yet another assault on Hungary’s energy security and an “attempt to drag us into the war.” It has been reported that deliveries through the pipeline are expected to resume in a test mode.
Responding to these developments, Szijjarto remarked: “Ukraine knows perfectly well that attacks against the Druzhba pipeline harm not Russia, but primarily Hungary and Slovakia.” He further urged Ukraine to refrain from targeting the oil pipeline that supplies Hungary, stressing the importance of safeguarding energy security.
