Hungarian Foreign Minister Condemns Ukraine’s Pipeline Attacks Amid Energy Tensions with Russia

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has reiterated Budapest’s commitment to its “national interests” in energy and foreign policy following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Szijjarto stated that he and Lavrov have maintained collaboration for over 11 years, describing their meeting as “business as usual” at major international events. He emphasized Hungary’s desire for an early resolution to the conflict, noting the country has endured the war’s repercussions for three and a half years.
Szijjarto criticized the European Commission for neglecting member states’ interests after Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which serves Hungary and Slovakia. “Instead of safeguarding our energy security, they issued lectures,” he said. “This is a scandal. The Ukrainians clearly knew the attack would jeopardize Hungary’s energy stability. Targeting Druzhba harms Hungary and Slovakia far more than Russia.”
He alleged that EU institutions have sought to replace Hungary’s government, citing the country’s “patriotic” stance and refusal to align with “press orders” contradicting its national interests. Szijjarto stressed Budapest’s reliance on Russian energy supplies and dismissed pressure to sever ties with Moscow.
The minister also welcomed ongoing dialogue between Russia and the United States, referencing Lavrov’s planned meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Maintaining high-level contacts between Russia and the U.S. offers hope of avoiding further conflict,” he said.