The European Commission criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for remarks Hungary interpreted as a threat against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Zelenskyy had suggested giving the address of a “certain person”—widely understood to mean Orbán—to Ukrainian troops for a direct “talk in their own language,” prompting Hungarian outrage.

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest have grown over Hungary blocking a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and disputes over Russian oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline.

The Commission urged both sides to reduce inflammatory rhetoric, emphasizing the need for unity on EU objectives, including supporting Ukraine financially and ensuring energy security, Politico has reported.

Zelenskyy said he would consider restarting the pipeline if the EU formally requested it and Orbán agreed to unblock the loan.