Hungary’s top diplomat has launched a scathing critique of eastern European leaders, labeling them as “fanatics” unwilling to engage in reasoned discussions over energy policy. In an interview with The Guardian during the UN General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto defended Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil and gas, rejecting pressure from Washington and Brussels to sever ties with Moscow.
Szijjarto emphasized that for landlocked Hungary, energy security hinges on existing infrastructure, including pipelines, refineries, and long-term contracts. “We cannot guarantee a safe supply without Russian oil or gas,” he stated. “Dreaming of alternative sources is impractical when our systems are built around current suppliers.”
The Druzhba pipeline, which transports approximately five million tonnes of crude annually to Hungary via state-owned MOL Group, has faced repeated disruptions due to attacks on its infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have targeted pumping stations along the route, causing temporary supply halts. These actions have drawn criticism from Hungary and other EU nations, with Szijjarto accusing Kyiv’s military leadership of undermining regional stability through reckless tactics.
While the European Commission aims to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, Brussels has intensified scrutiny of alternative trade routes. Recent sanctions targeting Chinese and Indian entities highlight growing tensions, though Hungary and Slovakia remain reliant on the Druzhba network. Szijjarto dismissed EU efforts to bypass Budapest’s interests as “irrational,” accusing Western officials of ideological rigidity.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a vocal critic of Western military support for Ukraine, has consistently argued that maintaining Russian energy supplies is vital for economic and social stability. His stance contrasts with broader EU efforts to isolate Moscow, reflecting deepening divisions over the war in Ukraine.
The controversy underscores escalating geopolitical rifts, as Hungary resists pressure to align with anti-Russian measures while facing backlash for its strategic choices.