Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of pursuing an anti-Hungarian policy and harboring hostility toward Hungary. Speaking ahead of an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, he said Hungary does not hate Ukraine, but Kyiv has shown animosity for the past decade.
Szijjártó raised concerns over Ukraine’s suspension of oil supplies, calling it a threat to Hungary’s energy security. He also criticized Kyiv for failing to restore the rights of Hungary’s national minority and questioned the European Commission for prioritizing Ukraine’s interests.
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The Hungarian minister linked Budapest’s decision to suspend support for EU sanctions and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine directly to Kyiv’s refusal to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline. He emphasized that Hungary’s position would remain until oil supplies resume.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that Hungary’s blockade makes approval of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia unlikely during Monday’s council meeting. The standoff highlights tensions between EU unity and member states’ national interests.
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The dispute adds to broader friction in Central Europe, with Hungary asserting its energy sovereignty and minority protections, while EU leaders push for coordinated sanctions and financial aid to support Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.