The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Hungarian ambassador to Kyiv and handed him a protest note regarding Budapest’s actions towards representatives of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. This was reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“He (the ambassador – ed.) was handed a protest note in response to Hungary’s discrimination against the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, particularly our defender of Hungarian descent, who was banned from entering the country of his ancestors. We urge Hungary to refrain from unfriendly actions and instead engage in constructive dialogue, which Ukraine remains ready for,” wrote the head of the foreign affairs agency.
Ban on Entry for Ukrainian Defender and Ukraine’s Reaction
On August 28, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced a ban on entry for the commander of the Ukrainian unit responsible for strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, both to Hungary and to Schengen countries. Andrii Sybiha sharply condemned this decision in response, calling it disgraceful, especially in light of yet another massive attack by the Russian Federation on Kyiv. Ukraine promised to take appropriate measures in response to Budapest’s actions.
Situation with the Druzhba Pipeline and Energy Claims
In August, oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which facilitates the import of Russian oil to Hungary, were halted three times due to strikes on the infrastructure. The latest incident occurred on the night of August 22 in the Bryansk region of Russia, as reported by the commander of the UAV Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Robert Brovdi (“Madyar”). Previous attacks were recorded on August 13 and 18.
The Hungarian authorities accused Ukraine of obstructing energy resource supplies following attacks on pipeline facilities. After one incident, when an oil refinery in the Tambov region of Russia was attacked, Andrii Sybiha advised Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to direct complaints to Moscow.
On August 22, Hungary and Slovakia announced yet another halt to oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline from Russia due to a new strike on the main line. It should be noted that the day before, on August 20, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry reported the resumption of oil transportation after the previous attack.