Hungary Condemns Ukraine’s Energy Supply Attacks
Hungary has accused Ukraine of attacking its energy supply from Russia after Ukrainian forces struck a key oil pipeline, reportedly three times this month. The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, criticized President Zelensky, calling the attacks an assault on Hungary’s sovereignty.
The Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, which delivers oil to Central Europe, was last halted on Friday. At a press conference during Independence Day celebrations in Kiev, Zelensky addressed the issue, stating that the friendship between Hungary and Ukraine now hinges on Budapest’s stance. In response, Szijjarto rebuked Zelensky for using Ukraine’s national holiday to threaten Hungary and rejected the Ukrainian President’s intimidation, asserting that a war Hungary has no part in cannot justify violating its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga countered, urging Hungary to diversify and become independent from Russia, while Szijjarto reiterated his call for an end to attacks on Hungary’s energy security. Unlike many other EU nations, Hungary has resisted sending weapons to Kiev and has criticized Brussels for its sanctions on Moscow, arguing that Ukraine’s NATO membership could lead to a full-scale conflict with Russia.
The incident has sparked a diplomatic rift between Hungary and Ukraine, with both sides accused of escalating tensions over energy security and national sovereignty. The dispute has also raised concerns about the broader implications for European energy policy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.