Viktor Orbán blames Ukraine for halting oil pipeline deliveries to Hungary

Hungary Tightens Security Amid Disputes Over Energy Supply

Hungary is increasing security measures at its energy facilities after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Ukraine of jeopardizing its energy resources. In an open letter addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Orbán criticized Ukraine’s actions, claiming they are part of an “anti-Hungarian policy.”

Orbán pointed out, “Recently, you blocked the Friendship oil pipeline, which is essential for Hungary’s energy supply.” He expressed concern that such actions threaten the safety and affordability of energy for Hungarian households, urging Zelensky to amend these policies.

As reported, Orbán ordered enhanced security for critical energy infrastructure on Wednesday. Budapest alleges that Ukraine has obstructed the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary but runs through Ukrainian territory. However, Ukrainian officials have denied these claims, attributing damage to the pipeline to a drone strike from Russia.

In a social media video, Orbán suggested that Ukraine is employing an “oil blockade” to exert pressure on Hungary. Further, Hungary’s National Security Agency indicated that there may be further actions planned by Ukraine to disrupt Hungary’s energy operations.

“We will deploy soldiers and necessary equipment to protect major energy facilities,” Orbán stated, adding that police would increase patrols around significant sites like power plants and control centers.

This tension arises as Orbán approaches an election period. Notably, billboards in Hungary are displaying AI-generated images of Zelensky, depicting him in a manner that suggests he is begging for funds from European leaders.

Hungary has also threatened to obstruct a proposed €90 billion loan from the European Union to Ukraine, citing the blockage of the Druzhba pipeline as a contributing factor. Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Szijjarto recently remarked that Ukraine poses a threat to Hungary and is colluding with opposition parties to influence fuel prices ahead of elections.

He expressed that such actions would violate the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and asserted Hungary would not succumb to this pressure. Moreover, Orbán accused Ukraine, alongside Hungary’s opposition and Belgium, of gathering to exert pressure on Budapest.

In a letter released on Thursday, Orbán, who maintains close ties with Russia, stated that Ukraine had refused to respect Hungary’s stance regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. He expressed that Hungary should not be held responsible for Ukraine’s circumstances, sympathizing with the Ukrainian people but emphasizing that Hungary does not wish to engage in the war or carry the financial burden of higher energy costs.

In conclusion, Orbán called for Ukraine to reopen the oil pipeline and to stop any further assaults on Hungary’s energy security, requesting greater respect for Hungary in their dealings.