Hungary has expressed discontent over claims that Ukraine disrupted a planned tripartite meeting with Slovakia in Brussels. However, reports indicate that such a meeting was never officially scheduled.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated, “Initially, it was planned that a tripartite meeting would take place today involving the Slovak and Ukrainian energy ministers, but the Ukrainian side ultimately did not agree to this even here in Brussels.” He further accused Ukraine and Brussels of rejecting all requests for meetings and preventing EU inspectors from visiting a section of the Druzhba pipeline that was damaged by Russian actions.
Szijjártó reiterated his position that Ukraine is not operating the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons, asserting that the pipeline is “technically and physically ready” for operation. He emphasized Hungary’s preparedness, stating, “No matter how hard they try, we will protect ourselves: we have a reserve for 86 days because we manage our resources well and keep gasoline prices under control. But let everyone remember how the Ukrainians behave towards us,” he added.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko addressed Szijjártó’s allegations, asserting that it is impossible to refuse a meeting that was never planned. He remarked, “This has become a typical Hungarian pattern—imagining something and then blaming us for it.” Nikolenko noted that on March 14, a detailed briefing was provided by Naftogaz to the diplomatic corps, which included the Hungarian ambassador among representatives from 31 countries.
He stated, “Complete information regarding the status of the Druzhba pipeline was once again conveyed to all partners, including the Hungarians.”
This incident follows recent tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, where Szijjártó accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of dishonesty. This accusation arose during discussions surrounding a Hungarian delegation’s visit to Ukraine, where Zelensky claimed he was unaware of the delegation’s purpose. Szijjártó countered that Hungary had notified Ukraine a day in advance about the visit, but it was later clarified that the proposed dates were unsuitable for the Ukrainian side, which suggested rescheduling.
Hungary has accused Ukraine of canceling a tripartite energy meeting, although reports indicate no such meeting was scheduled. Tensions between the two nations continue amid disputes over the Druzhba pipeline and diplomatic communications.