Szombathely, Hungary – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly labeled Ukraine an “enemy” of Hungary, escalating tensions between the two nations. The declaration, made during a rally in the western city of Szombathely on , stems from Kyiv’s continued demands that Hungary cease purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Budapest’s resistance to phasing out Russian energy supplies is a direct challenge to European Union efforts to sanction Moscow following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in . Orbán accused Ukraine of undermining Hungary’s economic security and national interests by pressuring Brussels to restrict access to affordable Russian energy.
“The Ukrainians must stop their constant demands in Brussels to disconnect Hungary from cheap Russian energy,” Orbán stated, according to reports. He warned that complying with Ukraine’s requests would lead to “dramatic spikes in utility bills” for Hungarian households. “As long as Ukraine demands that Hungary be cut off from cheap Russian energy, Ukraine is not simply our opponent, Ukraine is our enemy,” he added.
The prime minister’s remarks come as the Council of the EU approved plans to ban Russian gas purchases by . Hungary, along with Slovakia, has challenged this decision in the European Court of Justice, citing its reliance on Russian gas and the potential economic consequences of a sudden cutoff. Orbán’s government has consistently argued for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and has refrained from sending weapons to Kyiv.
Beyond energy policy, Orbán reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership. He argued that a “military or economic alliance” with Kyiv would be detrimental to the bloc. “Hungarians should not want military or economic cooperation with Ukrainians, because they are dragging us into war,” he said.
On , Hungary announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the EU over what it deems a “suicidal” ban on Russian energy. This legal challenge underscores Budapest’s firm stance against broader EU sanctions targeting Russia and its commitment to securing its energy supply.
The European Commission is currently debating a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on maritime services for Russian oil. While the EU has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian energy since – phasing out most Russian oil imports and decreasing gas purchases by 75% by – it remains Moscow’s leading buyer of both pipeline gas and liquified natural gas (LNG).
Orbán’s increasingly critical rhetoric towards Ukraine reflects a broader pattern of alignment with the Kremlin within the European Union. He is widely considered to be Moscow’s closest ally in the bloc, and his government has repeatedly resisted efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia or provide increased aid to Ukraine. This stance has drawn criticism from other EU member states and raised concerns about Hungary’s commitment to European solidarity.
The prime minister is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. To attend the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” The purpose and agenda of this board remain unclear, but the meeting underscores Orbán’s willingness to engage with political figures who share his skepticism towards increased involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The escalating dispute over energy policy and Orbán’s increasingly hostile language towards Ukraine signal a deepening rift between Budapest and Kyiv, as well as growing tensions within the European Union. Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy and its resistance to broader sanctions against Moscow pose a challenge to the EU’s efforts to present a united front against Russian aggression. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Europe and the potential for further divisions as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
