The Hungarian government on Monday denounced Ukrainian attacks on the Drujba oil pipeline, after which the transit of Russian crude oil was disturbed to the central-European country. In reply the Kiev authorities invited Budapest to complain to Russia, reports Efe and Reuters.
Peter Szijjarto warns Ukraine following drone attacks in Russia Photo Facebook
“It is unacceptable and scandalous that Ukraine has attacked the oil pipeline again in Russia, disrupting the oil supply of our country,” wrote Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter SzijArto on Facebook, according to Agerpres.
According to the head of Hungarian diplomacy, Russian Energy Deputy Minister Pavel Sorokin, confirmed in a phone conversation that specialists work to repair a transformer, essential for the functioning of the pipe. It is currently non -functional as a result of Ukrainian army drones.
The Russian Deputy Minister “could not predict when the supply will be resumed,” said Szijjarto, without specifying the exact place of the attack that paralyzed the transit of oil.
The Budapest government accuses Ukraine of involving Hungary in the war
At the same time, Szijjarto accused the European Commission and the Ukrainian government of trying to involve Hungary in the war triggered by Russia.
“Brussels and Kiev are trying to involve Hungary in the three and a half years war, and Ukrainian attacks are increasingly frequent on our energy security. Let us be clear again: this is not our war, we have nothing to do with it, we want to stay outside,” said the head.
Hungary and Slovakia have received an exemption from the Embargo of the European Union (EU) on the imports of Russian crude oil, since they have no large exit and depend on the oil in this country through the Drujba pipe, writes EFE.
Hungary imports 65% of its oil and imports 85% of its gas in Russia.
Szijjarto ended his message threatening to interrupt the supply of electricity of Ukraine.
“Finally, I want to remind Ukrainian politicians: the electricity in Hungary plays a fundamental role in the supply of energy to Ukraine,” the Hungarian minister said.
Kiev's reaction
In reply, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sîbiga, said that Hungary “can now send complaints” to Moscow, not to Kiev, according to Reuters.
Biga neither confirmed nor denied the accusations of Hungary in his statement on platform X.
“Russia, not Ukraine, is the one who started this war and refuses to end it. Hungary has been told for years that Moscow is a partner you cannot rely on. Despite this, Hungary has made every effort to maintain its addiction to Russia,” he drew attention.
In recent weeks, Hungary has denounced Ukrainian attacks on oil transit infrastructure to Central Europe.
