Hungary forces new energy deals with Russia amid Ukraine war
BUDAPEST, Hungary –
Hungary signed new agreements Tuesday to make sure its continued entry to Russian vitality, an indication of the nation’s persevering with diplomatic and commerce ties with Moscow which have confounded some European leaders amid the struggle in Ukraine.
Speaking at a news briefing in Moscow, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto mentioned Russian state vitality firm Gazprom had agreed to permit Hungary, if wanted, to import portions of pure fuel past the quantities agreed to in a long-term contract that was amended final 12 months.
The value of the fuel, which might attain Hungary by means of the Turkstream pipeline, could be capped at 150 euros (US$163) per cubic metre, Szijjarto mentioned, a part of an settlement that can enable Hungary to pay down fuel purchases on a deferred foundation if market costs go above that stage.
Szijjarto’s journey to Russia’s capital was uncommon for an official from a European Union nation. Most members of the 27-nation bloc have distanced themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine and sought to wean their nations off of Russian fossil fuels.
The Hungarian authorities has lobbied closely within the EU to be exempted from any sanctions imposed on Russian fuel, oil or nuclear gas, and likewise has threatened to veto proposed EU actions towards Moscow.
Szijjarto is without doubt one of the solely officers from an EU nation to have met with Russian officers in Moscow for the reason that struggle in Ukraine started greater than a 12 months in the past. A February journey additionally made the minister the primary senior official from an EU nation to go to Belarus for the reason that nation’s authoritarian president, an ally of Putin’s, initiated a harsh crackdown on opposition in 2020.
While in Moscow, Szijjarto met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Alexander Novak and the chief govt of Russian state nuclear vitality firm Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev. During the news briefing, he insisted that entry to Russian vitality provides was essential for Hungary’s safety no matter political issues introduced on by the struggle.
“As long as the issue of energy supply is a physical issue and not a political or ideological one, like it or not, Russia and co-operation with Russia will remain crucial for Hungary’s energy security,” Szijjarto mentioned.
