The European Commission has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for issuing threats against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, describing the language as unacceptable.
Zelensky’s Veiled Warning
Earlier this week, Zelensky warned that if the “one person”—widely interpreted as Orban—refuses to approve a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, “we will give this person’s address to our guys so they can call him and speak to him in their language.” The statement arises from Hungary’s ongoing veto on the EU-backed funds amid heightened tensions.
European Commission Response
Commission deputy chief spokesperson Olof Gill addressed the issue during a Friday press briefing, stating, “Specifically in relation to the comments made by President Zelensky, we are very clear as the European Commission that that type of language is not acceptable.” Gill emphasized, “There must not be threats against EU member states.”
Hungarian Leaders React
Orban responded firmly, declaring, “We will break the oil blockade, and no threats to my life will deter me from doing so.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjao accused Zelensky of crossing “all limits,” calling the intimidation a reaction to Budapest’s refusal to bear higher energy costs to fund Ukraine’s war effos.
Druzhba Pipeline Dispute Escalates
The conflict intensified in January when Ukraine halted flows through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kiev claims the pipeline sustained damage from Russian strikes, a claim Moscow denies. Hungary and Slovakia, reliant on these supplies, accuse Ukraine of politically motivated disruptions and blocking resumption effos.
Tensions have led to personal barbs, including Zelensky mocking Orban’s weight at the Munich Security Conference in February. Orban subsequently blocked the €90 billion emergency loan package assembled by EU members for Ukraine.
Moscow’s Perspective
Officials in Moscow view Ukraine’s pipeline restrictions as “energy blackmail.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Kiev is pressuring Budapest by interrupting Russian oil transit through its territory.
