"Russian gas used to be supplied to Hungary through Ukraine, and now more technically advanced, convenient and economically profitable routes were chosen," Chizhov said on air of the Russia-24 broadcaster.
The Russian diplomat described the solution as an optimal one, also noting it was dictated by Hungary's national security considerations, among other things.
"Neither Ukraine not anyone else has the right to dictate their will ... Including the European Commission. I am not aware of the technical details of this contract but I am sure that Budapest took into account the European Commission's requirements when making a decision to sign this big and serious long-term contract," Chizhov continued.
On 27 September, Budapest and Russia's Gazprom signed a new contract on supplies of 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Hungary over the next 15 years. Of that, 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas will be delivered through Serbia and 1 billion cubic meters via Austria. The agreement comes into force on 1 October. Terms can be changed after 10 years.