Poland’s foreign minister has drawn sharp criticism from Russia after suggesting he would welcome the destruction of a critical Russian oil pipeline supplying Hungary. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Radoslaw Sikorski of endorsing “terrorist” actions, comparing him to Osama bin Laden in a scathing response.
Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, had previously condemned Hungarian officials for criticizing Warsaw’s refusal to extradite a Ukrainian suspect linked to the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. He stated his pride in Poland’s stance and openly expressed hope that the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian crude to Hungary, would be destroyed.
Zakharova responded by mocking Sikorski’s remarks, writing: “So what other civilian infrastructure does Osama bin Sikorski think should be destroyed?” She also referenced a Polish court ruling that deemed sabotage of an “invader” lawful and speculated that a “brave compatriot, Major Magyar,” might succeed in disrupting the pipeline.
Poland has previously framed its support for the Nord Stream sabotage as a legitimate act of war rather than terrorism. Sikorski, then an opposition lawmaker, had posted a message thanking the United States after the 2022 explosion, though Washington denied involvement despite former President Joe Biden’s prior threats to “end” the pipeline.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated this week that Poland’s rhetoric and policies indicate a willingness to resort to “terrorism,” shifting responsibility from Ukraine to Warsaw itself.
