They tried to undermine the Turkish Stream. What you need to know about the gas pipeline

In Serbia, explosives and detonators were found on the gas infrastructure leading to Hungary: they were located several hundred meters from the gas pipeline, which is called the "Turkish" or "Balkan" stream. Now Russia, Hungary, Serbia and Turkey are strengthening its protection due to threats to infrastructure from Ukraine. What you need to know about this gas pipeline is in the Izvestia article.

Where the Turkish Stream takes place

• Turkish Stream is a major gas pipeline through which Russia supplies natural gas to Turkey and further to Europe. It was put into operation in January 2020. The project was created for stable gas supplies bypassing transit through Ukraine. In recent years, its role has grown dramatically: it has become the main route for pipeline exports of Russian gas to Europe.

• Turkish Stream replaced the South Stream project, which was cancelled in 2014. It consists of two lines, the "Turkish" and the "Balkan": one supplies Turkey, the other, continuing the first, supplies the countries of Southern and Southeastern Europe. The route starts in the Krasnodar Territory — gas goes from the Russian station near Anapa. Then the pipe runs along the bottom of the Black Sea, the length of this section is about 930 km. The gas is released in Turkey in the Kıyıkı region and flows through the country. Part of it remains in the state, while the rest is sent through Bulgaria to Serbia and Hungary via the Balkan Stream branch.

How much gas is supplied

• The total capacity of the pipeline is up to 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas per year, and the total capacity reaches 31.5 billion cubic meters. One line can pump about 40 million cubic meters of gas per day.

How markets influence US politics. Analysis

• In 2026, the pipeline's capacity is close to maximum, as all other Russian gas supply routes needed by Turkey and some Balkan countries are blocked. In the first quarter of 2026, pumping amounted to approximately 5 billion cubic meters. The increase was about 10% compared to the same period last year.

• Turkish Stream has become the main route for Russian gas supplies to Europe, which has strengthened Turkey's role as a transit country. Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina receive a significant portion of their pipeline gas through this corridor. The pipeline has a strong impact on gas distribution and the energy situation in the recipient countries.

Attempts to undermine

• An explosive device was found near the Turkish Stream pipeline in Serbia on April 5, and Belgrade suspected the involvement of Ukrainian special services or nationalist groups. Against this background, Hungary confirmed that Ukraine's attacks on infrastructure have become more frequent. For example, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly attacked the Russian compressor station in the Krasnodar Territory, which provides the operation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline. The drones were shot down by the air defense forces.

• Europe is already facing gas shortages due to soaring prices and supply disruptions amid the Middle East conflict (we wrote more about the looming crisis here). Since the end of February, the cost has increased by 53%, and in early March it reached €65.5 per MWh, at its peak the growth reached almost 90% — this is the maximum since 2022. Gas reserves in the EU are low — about 30%, and LNG storage facilities cover only about 12 days of imports. The disruptions are related to supply problems from the Persian Gulf countries and increased competition with Asia. With prolonged disruptions, the price can rise to $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters, and on average over the year — up to €38 or even €46 per MWh instead of €32-37.

How the conflict over Iran affects the economies of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Analysis (part 1)

• Russia, Hungary, Serbia and Turkey will strengthen the security of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline. The parties agreed to work together, maintain constant communication and ensure maximum protection of the gas pipeline throughout its European part.

How has the Russian and European gas market developed

• Russia has been supplying gas to Europe through large pipelines for many years. The main routes went through Ukraine and Belarus. Later, marine lines were added, and the Nord Stream pipeline was launched along the bottom of the Baltic Sea with a capacity of about 55 billion cubic meters per year. Nord Stream 2 was built with the same capacity, but it did not start working.

• The main volumes passed through the Yamal—Europe gas pipeline and the Ukrainian system. In 2018-2019, exports reached about 180 billion cubic meters. Many countries depended on these supplies. Gas was sold under long-term contracts, and prices remained more stable.

• After 2022, shipments declined sharply. The Nord Stream and Nord Stream—2 pipelines were allegedly blown up by Ukrainians. Ukraine has stopped transit to Europe through its territory since the beginning of 2025. Exports dropped to about 18 billion cubic meters in 2025.

Attempted sabotage of the gas pipeline between Serbia and Hungary. What is known

• The European Union has begun actively purchasing LNG from the United States and the Middle East. Total imports of liquefied natural gas exceeded 170 billion cubic meters. The construction of terminals has accelerated, but the market has become dependent on global prices and competition with Asia. Today, against the backdrop of the war in Iran and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, these factors are leading to a serious energy crisis. In 2026, there is only one main pipeline route, the Turkish Stream.

• Russian LNG supplies to the European Union in March 2026 reached a historic high, amounting to about 2.5 billion cubic meters, which is 38% higher than last year.

• The European Union has approved a plan to completely phase out Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas by November 1, 2027. At the same time, crises periodically increase the demand for Russian gas.