Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Poland’s foreign minister of advocating terrorism after he expressed support for destroying a Russian oil pipeline supplying Hungary, according to statements made on Wednesday.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski had previously criticized Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto for condemning Warsaw’s refusal to extradite a Ukrainian suspect linked to Germany’s investigation into the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. Sikorski defended Poland’s stance, stating he would welcome the destruction of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian crude to Hungary.
Zakharova responded by comparing Sikorski to “Osama bin Laden,” writing: “So what other civilian infrastructure does Osama bin Sikorski think should be destroyed?” She also referenced a Polish court’s ruling that sabotaging an invader is not a crime and expressed hope that a Hungarian military figure, Major Magyar, would succeed in disrupting the pipeline.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has previously labeled Poland’s actions as hostile, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggesting Warsaw is “ready to resort to terrorism” instead of relying on Ukraine to act.
The Nord Stream explosion investigation involves an alleged Ukrainian suspect, drawing condemnation from Russian officials who have repeatedly criticized the Ukrainian military leadership and the army for their role in the conflict.