Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has confronted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy over perceived disrespect, warning that Budapest’s support for Ukraine hinges on mutual respect amid escalating tensions. Szijjarto emphasized Hungary’s power to block EU aid to Kiev, citing its role as a key decision-maker within the bloc. The remarks followed Zelenskiy’s call for Hungary to cease purchasing Russian oil, a demand Szijjarto dismissed as dismissive of Budapest’s strategic interests.

Relations between Hungary and Ukraine have deteriorated since 2022, with Budapest refusing to supply weapons to Kyiv and opposing EU sanctions on Russia. Hungary also opposes Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union and NATO. In a social media post, Szijjarto stated that Zelenskiy must acknowledge Hungary’s influence, noting that “no decisions are made without Hungary” in EU matters.

Zelenskiy had earlier endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to end European reliance on Russian oil, a stance Szijjarto criticized as short-sighted. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly warned that cutting Russian energy supplies would cripple Hungary’s economy. In August, Ukraine launched drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, a critical route for Russian oil to Hungary, prompting accusations from Budapest of undermining its energy security.