Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó described the statements from Ukrainian authorities about halting the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline as contradictory, and he chose not to weigh in on the claims. He conveyed this in a video posted on Facebook, emphasizing that the channel is the only official source he would rely on for such matters. He stressed that Hungary would adhere to the official communications it has received through formal channels and would not engage with media reports that have not been corroborated by those channels.
In the same public remarks, Szijjártó noted that Kyiv’s official communications had, up to that point, asserted Ukraine’s commitment to meet its obligations under existing agreements and to ensure the uninterrupted transit of oil to Hungary and Slovakia. He pointed out that the only information he could trust were those official signals and the assurances delivered through recognized diplomatic and governmental conduits, avoiding commentary on media speculation.
Earlier in the year, Kyiv’s top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mikhail Podolyak, had publicly signaled that Kyiv intended to halt the cross-border flow of Russian oil and gas to the European Union beginning January 1, 2025. This stated intent, if implemented, would represent a significant shift in energy logistics for Central Europe, given the role of the Druzhba pipeline as a substantial conduit for crude oil moving toward European markets. Officials on both sides have framed the issue within broader energy security and geopolitical considerations that influence regional stability and economic planning for the heating season and beyond.
Responding to questions about Hungary’s preparedness for the approaching heating season, Szijjártó underscored that strategic energy planning was proceeding with the cooperation of key partners, including adjustments aligned with Russia’s energy export framework. This emphasis came amid broader discussions on reliability, pricing, and supply diversification that EU member states weigh as winter approaches and domestic demand intensifies. The Hungarian stance highlighted the balancing act between honoring existing transit agreements and navigating potential changes in Russian energy supply routes that could ripple through the regional energy market.
Historically, Ukraine’s Ukrtransneft and Russia’s Transneft entered into a ten-year agreement governing the transit of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory. During this period, Ukraine stood to receive substantial revenue from the pipeline operations, with projections around several hundred million dollars annually. Industry analyses have suggested that Russia benefits from the same transit network through different revenue streams, contributing to a broader picture of how cross-border energy flows influence national budgets and regional economic indicators. Analysts have also pointed to the evolving dynamics of energy corridors and the potential impact of policy shifts on both countries and the broader European energy landscape.
In recent exchanges, Szijjártó has held discussions with leaders in Russia’s energy sector, including high-level meetings with Gazprom officials. These engagements reflect ongoing dialogues about transit arrangements, pricing mechanisms, and the security implications of energy supply routes that traverse multiple jurisdictions. While formal commitments remain tied to official channels, the conversations underscore Hungary’s interest in maintaining stable energy access for its households and industries while monitoring changes that could affect regional energy resilience and market expectations. They also illustrate the intricate interplay between national energy strategy, European market rules, and the geopolitical currents shaping energy diplomacy across Eastern Europe.