The Hungarian government has ordered heightened security measures along the TurkStream gas pipeline infrastructure following indications of a planned sabotage attempt on its Serbian section, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Sunday.
"Based on the information available to us, a sabotage action was being prepared on the Serbian section of the TurkStream pipeline supplying Hungary," Orban said in a video posted on his Facebook page, after convening an extraordinary meeting of the Defense Council.
He said that the pipeline is operating normally, and no injuries have been reported.
Orban underlined the strategic importance of the route, noting that "around 60 percent of Hungary's gas consumption is supplied through this pipeline," and announced reinforced military monitoring and protection along Hungary's section.
"Hungary's energy security is not a game. We will defend our energy system, the secure supply of families, and our national interests," he said.
He also thanked Serbian authorities for strengthening protection of the infrastructure, saying Hungarian authorities are in continuous contact with their Serbian counterparts.
According to Serbian officials, explosive devices and equipment suitable for detonation were discovered near the critical gas infrastructure outside the town of Kanjiza, close to the Hungarian border. Serbian police and military units deployed drones, thermal imaging devices, tracking dogs and helicopters during the operation, while an investigation remains ongoing. On Sunday, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi issued a statement on social media platform X, saying Ukraine categorically denies any attempts to link it to the discovery of explosives near the TurkStream pipeline in Serbia.
Ukraine has no connection to this incident, he said.
Hungary strengthens security of TurkStream pipeline over sabotage fears
Hungary strengthens security of TurkStream pipeline over sabotage fears
