Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó arrived in Moscow for urgent talks with Vladimir Putin amid a paralysis of resource supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Budapest is demanding guarantees of stable energy prices from the Kremlin while simultaneously accusing Ukraine of "blackmail" and deliberately blocking transit. Meanwhile, Kyiv reports serious damage to transmission infrastructure following Russian attacks, casting doubt on a quick return to stable oil supplies to Central Europe.
Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow
Péter Szijjártó is negotiating with Vladimir Putin for guarantees of low oil and gas prices amid the transmission crisis.
Paralysis of the Druzhba Pipeline
Oil transmission to Slovakia and Hungary remains suspended due to infrastructure damage; repairs will take many days.
EU Pressure on Kyiv
Ursula von der Leyen is demanding that Volodymyr Zelenskyy allow inspection of the destroyed sections of the pipeline.
Blockade of Loan for Ukraine
Hungary is using the energy dispute as an argument to continue blocking EU financial support for Kyiv.
Tensions along the Budapest-Kyiv-Moscow line have reached a critical point after Russian authorities officially confirmed a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The main goal of the visit is to attempt to secure supplies of energy resources at "unchanged prices" and to discuss the situation on the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline. The Hungarian side, rhetorically supported by the Kremlin, is pushing a narrative of Ukrainian blackmail, suggesting that Kyiv is using infrastructure failure as a tool of political pressure. However, Slovakia's Ministry of Economy is tempering emotions, indicating that the resumption of oil pumping is not expected in the coming days due to real technical problems. Ukraine consistently refutes accusations of deliberate action, documenting extensive damage resulting from Russian strikes earlier this year. According to Ukrainian services, fires and damage to control equipment are so severe that the infrastructure requires a thorough overhaul, not just routine maintenance. This dispute complicates Ukraine's financial situation within the EU forum. Hungary continues to block the payment of a 90-billion-euro loan, which is becoming part of a broader game over energy security in the region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone with President Zelenskyy, pressing for independent inspectors to be allowed access to the destroyed sections of the pipeline. Energy relations between Moscow and Budapest have for decades been based on preferential rates for resources, allowing Hungary to maintain relatively low retail fuel prices, but simultaneously making it the EU member most dependent on Russian energy.The situation also has a military and humanitarian dimension. During talks in Moscow, the issue of Hungarian citizens captured by the Russian army, who likely served in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, was raised. Meanwhile, the frontline reality remains brutal. As a result of the latest drone attacks in Kherson and shelling in the Donetsk region, more civilians have been killed, and four regions of Ukraine have been cut off from electricity supplies. Kyiv, in turn, reports successful strikes on thirteen Russian oil facilities, which is part of a strategy to weaken the aggressor's war machine by destroying its economic base. „Célom Moszkvában az olaj- és földgázszállítások változatlan áron történő biztosítása a magyar családok védelme érdekében.” (My goal in Moscow is to secure oil and gas deliveries at unchanged prices to protect Hungarian families.) — Péter Szijjártó
Mentioned People
- Władimir Putin — President of Russia, who received the head of Hungarian diplomacy in Moscow.
- Péter Szijjártó — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.
- Ursula von der Leyen — President of the European Commission.
- Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine.