Hungary takes new step with Gazprom, affirms Ukraine cutting off Russian gas flow is not important

Gazprom announced that the company and Hungary have just signed a memorandum of understanding on the possibility of increasing the amount of gas supplied from Russia to Budapest.

The issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine is not important for Hungary. (Source: AP)

According to the Russian gas giant, the parties discussed gas supply issues and prospects for developing cooperation in the gas sector. The importance of Russian gas supplies for supporting Hungary's energy security has always been noted.

"The memorandum of understanding on the possibility of increasing Russian gas supplies to Hungary was signed at a meeting witnessed by Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto," Gazprom said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum on October 9, Mr. Szijjarto said: "This year, the amount of gas transported via TurkStream has reached about 5.7 billion cubic meters, more than last year. Therefore, we are secure in terms of gas supply."

He further stressed that the issue of Moscow's gas transit via Kiev is not important for Hungary as the country can secure gas supplies through the TurkStream pipeline.

"External forces are putting political pressure on Hungary to force it to cut cooperation with Russia in the energy sector," Mr. Szijjarto revealed.

Hungary's Foreign Minister said that if the European Union (EU) imposes sanctions on Russia's gas, oil or nuclear industries, Budapest will use its veto power.

So, for now, there are no sanctions on Moscow's gas and nuclear fuel supplies.

According to the official, the Turkish Stream gas pipeline could supply energy to European countries if Kiev refuses to extend gas transit from Moscow.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that Kiev would not renew the agreement with Gazprom on the transportation of Russian gas. The agreement is due to expire in December this year.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hungary-co-buoc-tien-moi-voi-gazprom-khang-dinh-viec-ukraine-cat-dong-chay-khi-dot-nga-khong-quan-trong-289712.html