Hungarian PM calls for immediate lifting of sanctions on Russian energy
Photo: Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (facebook.com/orbanviktor)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the European Union should lift sanctions on Russian energy, citing the energy crisis, according to Orbán’s statement on Twitter (X).
Viktor Orbán added that the European Union should think not about the Russian President Vladimir Putin, but about its own people.
The Hungarian prime minister made these remarks in response to a post by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in which he also mentioned Orbán’s blocking of a loan for Ukraine.
"Instead of warmongering, love and save your country, Donald!" the Hungarian prime minister stated.
What preceded this
Donald Tusk criticized Viktor Orbán and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The remarks were prompted by media reports about the Hungarian government’s close ties with Moscow.
In particular, he described an audio recording of Szijjártó’s conversation with Lavrov as "depressing" and as evidence of "deeply concerning" relations between Hungary and Russia.
Orbán’s 'gas ultimatum'
Note that earlier Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary could cut off gas supplies to Ukraine. He issued an ultimatum — exports would not resume until the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline is restored.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Kyiv is prepared for a possible suspension of gas transit through Hungary’s territory. Even if Budapest blocks this route, the country has sufficient alternative ways to import fuel from the European Union.
