The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned Hungarian Ambassador Istvan Idyarto amid a scandal over a 15-year contract between the Hungarian authorities and Gazprom. The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba said yesterday that Hungary struck a blow to bilateral relations with Kiev. After that, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry called Ambassador of Ukraine.
Representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleg Nikolenko said to Interfax that Kiev wants to convey its principled position to the Hungarian ambassador. Ukraine believes that gas transportation bypassing it undermines the national security of the country and the energy security of Europe, and the agreement between Hungary and Gazprom "deals a serious blow to Ukrainian-Hungarian relations." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry promised to take "decisive measures to protect national interests."
On September 27, Gazprom signed a long-term agreement with the Hungarian energy group MVM. The head of the Ukrainian GTS Operator then allowed a complete stop of gas transit to Hungary.
