Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urged the protection of the TurkStream gas pipeline’s safe operation.
Hungary considers any attempt to disrupt its energy supply a direct attack on its national sovereignty, Minister Szijjarto stated on Monday, responding to Russia’s report of a Ukrainian drone attack on the TurkStream pipeline. According to the Russian military, nine Ukrainian drones targeted the Russkaya gas compressor station in Russia’s Krasnodar region on Saturday. This facility is crucial for transporting natural gas under the Black Sea to Turkey, with some gas continuing to EU consumers.
Szijjarto emphasized on Facebook that the pipeline “is essential for Hungary’s natural gas supply” and has maintained reliable operation for years.
“We expect all parties to respect the safety and functionality of this transport route,” he added.
Hungary’s relationship with Ukraine is strained due to Budapest’s opposition to increased military aid for Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. This stance contrasts with the West’s prevailing policy of supporting Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to defeat Moscow.
Budapest argues that this approach hasn’t altered the conflict’s course, and that EU sanctions against Moscow have inflicted economic harm on the EU by cutting off access to Russian markets and resources.
Last year, Ukraine’s refusal to renew a gas transit contract with Russia caused an energy crisis, leading to criticism from consumer nations who accused Ukraine of prioritizing political goals.
“Ukraine, while seeking EU candidacy, has once again placed the European economy in a difficult position,” Szijjarto remarked last week.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded by expressing a willingness to replace Hungary in the EU, accusing Budapest of “empowering” Russia through its policies.