Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that the president is lying about the Hungarian delegation’s visit to Ukraine. This statement comes in response to Zelensky’s remarks expressing ignorance regarding the delegation’s purpose.
Szijjarto asserted that Zelensky’s claim of being unaware of the delegation’s arrival is unfounded, stating that the Hungarian government had officially informed Ukraine about the visit. The delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Energy Gabor Csepe, is in Ukraine to assess the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline and to request a meeting with Ukraine’s Energy Minister.
In a Facebook post, Szijjarto shared a document dated March 10, which outlines the Hungarian embassy’s communication with Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The document indicates that the delegation would be in Kyiv on Thursday and Friday, seeking to meet with Vice Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Szijjarto further emphasized that Ukraine’s blockage of oil supplies to Hungary during a time of significant uncertainty in maritime oil transportation constitutes a serious offense against Hungary. He described the situation as a severe crime against his country.
On March 11, President Zelensky stated that he was unaware of the Hungarian delegation’s activities in Ukraine, which reportedly included inspecting the Druzhba oil pipeline. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that a group of Hungarian citizens entered the country on the same day without official status or scheduled meetings.
The Hungarian delegation, led by State Secretary Gabor Csepe, has expressed intentions to negotiate the restoration of operations for the Druzhba pipeline and to evaluate its current state.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of dishonesty regarding a visiting delegation. Tensions have risen over the delegation's purpose, with claims of an oil supply blockade exacerbating diplomatic relations.
Source: Європейська правда