Hungary has signed new agreements to make sure its continued entry to Russian power – an indication of the nation’s persevering with diplomatic and commerce ties with Moscow which have confounded some European leaders amid the battle in Ukraine.

Speaking at a information briefing in Moscow, Hungarian overseas minister Peter Szijjarto mentioned Russian state power firm Gazprom has 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 yr.

The worth of the fuel, which might attain Hungary by means of the Turkstream pipeline, can be capped at 150 euros (£131.80) per cubic meter, Mr Szijjarto mentioned, a part of an settlement that may permit Hungary to pay down fuel purchases on a deferred foundation if market costs go above that stage.

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 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 gasoline, and has additionally threatened to veto proposed EU actions in opposition to Moscow.

Mr Szijjarto is among the solely officers from an EU nation to have met with Russian officers in Moscow because the battle in Ukraine started greater than a yr in the past.

A February journey additionally made the minister the primary senior official from an EU nation to go to Belarus because the nation’s authoritarian president, an ally of Mr Putin, initiated a harsh crackdown on opposition in 2020.

During the press briefing, he insisted entry to Russian power provides is essential for Hungary’s safety no matter political issues introduced on by the battle.

“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,” Mr Szijjarto mentioned.