On April 5, 2026, Serbian authorities discovered two backpacks containing "devastatingly powerful" explosives and detonators near the TurkStream gas pipeline in northern Serbia, close to the Hungarian border.

 

On April 5, 2026, Serbian authorities discovered two backpacks containing "devastatingly powerful" explosives and detonators near the TurkStream gas pipeline in northern Serbia, close to the Hungarian border. The incident, occurring days before Hungarian elections, prompted accusations of sabotage against Ukraine by Hungarian officials, while Ukraine suggested a Russian "false-flag" operation.

 

Key Details of the Incident:

Location: The explosive devices were found in the Kanjiza district, near the village of Tresnjevac, about 20km from the Hungarian border.

Target: The devices were located only a few hundred meters from the pipeline that transports Russian gas through Serbia to Hungary.

Discovery: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that military and police units uncovered the explosives, which were described as having high destructive power.

Response: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban convened an emergency defense council meeting, describing it as a "planned act of sabotage" against a crucial "lifeline" for Hungary's energy supply.

Political Context: The discovery comes one week before Hungary's elections on April 12, creating severe political tension. While Orban suggested Ukrainian involvement, Ukrainian officials denied these claims, calling it a potential Russian provocation.

 

Both Serbia and Hungary maintain close ties to Russia and are heavily reliant on this pipeline for natural gas, often placing them at odds with other European countries over energy policy.