Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has reiterated Budapest’s commitment to prioritizing its “national interests” in energy and foreign policy following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Szijjarto stated that he and Lavrov had maintained collaboration for over 11 years, emphasizing that their discussions at major international events remained “business as usual.” He highlighted Hungary’s desire for an end to the conflict, noting the country’s prolonged exposure to the war’s consequences.

Szijjarto criticized the European Commission for failing to protect member states’ interests after Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia. He accused the EU of prioritizing ideological agendas over energy security, stating, “When the Ukrainians attacked the Druzhba pipeline, they clearly knew this would endanger Hungary’s energy supply. Such actions harm Hungary and Slovakia far more than Russia.”

The minister alleged that EU institutions have long sought to replace Hungary’s government, emphasizing the country’s stance as a “patriotic” administration focused on national interests rather than compliance with external pressures. He reiterated Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas, rejecting efforts to sever ties with Moscow.

Szijjarto also welcomed ongoing dialogue between Russia and the United States, citing a planned meeting between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a positive development. He suggested that sustained high-level communication could prevent further escalation of the conflict.