The Hungarian Foreign Minister called hypocritical those who criticize his country and Slovakia but quietly import the same crude oil through Asia, the MTI news agency reported.

Szijjarto explained that Hungary has no choice but to purchase hydrocarbons directly from the Russian Federation to guarantee its energy security.

He emphasized that the European Union (EU) rejected a Hungarian request to expand pipeline capacity in the southeast of the continent, according to official sources.

He added that Croatia increased transit fees five times the base rates, making supply alternatives more expensive.

Analysts believe the statements highlight the fissures within the EU regarding the sanctions imposed on Moscow.

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