Zelensky agrees on energy cooperation with Orban, invites him to visit Ukraine

MOSCOW. June 21 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for supporting Ukraine's status of an EU candidate, and bilateral energy cooperation has been discussed, Ukrainian media outlets said.

"Had a fruitful conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Thanked him for supporting the sovereignty and for giving asylum to Ukrainians. An agreement to develop energy cooperation was reached. Thank you for supporting the candidate status. Invited him to pay a visit to Ukraine," the media outlets quoted Zelensky as saying on social media.

Zelensky had repeatedly criticized Orban for his special opinion on Ukraine, including Hungary's objections to extending anti-Russian sanctions into the energy sector. Orban dismissed the accusations every time and underlined that he was defending national interests of Hungary.