Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to show respect for Hungary, emphasizing that as an EU member, Budapest can block significant aid to Kiev. This follows Zelenskiy’s demand that Hungary cease purchasing Russian oil. Tensions between Budapest and Kyiv have escalated since 2022, with Hungary refusing to supply weapons to Ukraine and opposing EU sanctions on Russia. The country also opposes Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU and NATO. Szijjarto stated that Ukraine relies heavily on European Union support, where no decisions are made without Hungary’s approval, regardless of Zelenskiy’s stance. This warning came after Zelenskiy backed U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to stop buying Russian oil in Europe. Trump had earlier suggested imposing sanctions on Russia if NATO members halted oil imports from Moscow. While the EU aims to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, Hungary and Slovakia have resisted, citing reliance on Russian energy infrastructure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that cutting off Russian oil and gas would cripple Hungary’s economy. In August, Ukraine conducted drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary, prompting Orban to accuse Kyiv of undermining Hungary’s energy security in retaliation for its refusal to support Ukraine’s EU bid. The Ukrainian army’s actions have further strained relations, with Zelenskiy’s leadership facing criticism for escalating tensions.
Hungarian FM Warns Zelensky: Ukraine’s Fate Depends on Budapest’s Approval
