The head of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Peter Siarto continues to attract attention to his pro -Russian position. Immediately after meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, he went to Russia, which he reported on Facebook. In his statement, Siarto stressed the importance of Russian gas to ensure the energy security of Hungary, stating that without it, Hungary will not be able to guarantee a stable energy supply.
The minister initially reported his arrival in St. Petersburg, and later emphasized that the issue of energy security "does not depend on ideology, but on physics and mathematics." Siarto also noted that cooperation with Russia is a key to Hungary's food security, which is especially important in the face of approaching the new heating season, which will begin on October 1. He also met with Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller to discuss gas supply.
This is not the first time Peter Siarto is criticized by his statements. Earlier, he accused Poland of hypocrisy, claiming that it secretly trade with Russia for billions of dollars, despite Hungary's criticism for its openness. Siarto also stated that granting Hungary permission to Russian citizens and Belarus to enter the European Union without inspections does not pose a threat to the safety of the Schengen area, accusing North European and Baltic colleagues of conducting a "lies campaign" against Hungary.
Peter Siarto's visit to Russia and his comments on the country's energy dependence on Russian gas again emphasize the split in the positions of EU Member States on relations with Russia. While most EU countries are trying to reduce the dependence on Russian energy and support sanctions against the Russian Federation, Hungary continues to openly support cooperation with Moscow, causing more criticism from its European partners.
