In a shocking statement, Gergely Gulyas - Chief of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office - said Ukraine did not deserve to become a member of the European Union (EU) for its attacks on energy infrastructure, including the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline and attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline.
EU membership regulations are unacceptable for a country that seeks to threaten the energy security of countries in the community by actions such as the collapse of the gas pipeline, Mr. Glyat stressed at a press conference on August 25, referring to the role of Ukrainian special forces in the Nord Stream sabotage.
Hungarian officials have asked Kiev to immediately stop attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a Russian oil supply route to Hungary and Slovakia. Those strikes do not harm Russia, but directly harm Hungary and Slovakia EU members, he warned.
Mr. Gulyas reiterated that Hungary is currently the largest electricity supplier to Ukraine, and if Kiev continues its hostile actions, Budapest could end the support. Without us, Ukraines energy security would not be guaranteed, he said.
Hungary also asked the EU leadership to fulfill its commitment to force Kiev to end its energy infrastructure attack. In January, the European Commission issued a document ensuring energy security for Hungary and Slovakia in response to moves from Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned Ukraine, calling the strikes on the Druzhba pipeline a "terrorist act". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "This is an act classified as a terrorist act by international law and many countries. It sabotages the strategic foundation and development plans of countries.
Ms. Zakharova also criticized the West for ignoring Kiev's actions: "The silence, which is considered untrue by many European and NATO politicians, only shows follies or disregard for international law."
