Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó has condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent remarks during Ukraine's national holiday, which Szijjártó characterized as threats against Hungary. The comments were made public on Sunday, August 24, 2025, amid rising tensions between the two nations over energy security and territorial integrity.
Szijjártó stated that Hungary firmly rejects any form of intimidation from Zelensky, emphasizing that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental values in international relations. He accused Ukraine of carrying out significant attacks on Hungary's energy supply, asserting that such actions constitute an attack on Hungary's sovereignty.
This diplomatic spat marks a troubling escalation in relations, coming as Hungary has remained neutral in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Szijjártó stressed that Hungary should not be subjected to threats related to a war in which it has no involvement, calling for Zelensky to cease what he described as reckless attacks on Hungary's energy security.
The situation is further complicated by the broader geopolitical context, as Hungary navigates its position in Eastern Europe. Analysts suggest that this dispute could have repercussions for energy cooperation in the region. As previously reported, tensions have been high in Eastern Europe, with various nations reevaluating their energy dependencies and security strategies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
