Orbán claims Ukrainian threat to Hungary's power grid
Photo: Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has alleged a "Ukrainian threat" to Hungary’s energy system and announced the deployment of troops to protect key infrastructure, HVG reports.
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Orbán said on February 25 that Ukraine is "planning new actions" to disrupt Hungary’s energy operations, in addition to the suspension of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. He added that he would "take measures" in response.
"I have ordered to increase the protection of energy infrastructure facilities. We will deploy military personnel near energy sites and the necessary equipment to prevent attacks. Police will patrol around designated power plants, distribution stations, and control centers," the Hungarian Prime Minister said.
Orbán also stated that he had instructed authorities to impose a ban on drone flights in the region bordering Ukraine.
Damage to the Druzhba pipeline
Hungary and Slovakia stopped receiving Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline after it was damaged in a Russian strike in late January. Against this backdrop, the two countries increased pressure on Ukraine as they believe that the pipeline is not being restored "for political reasons."
On February 19, it became known that the European Union had not set any demands or deadlines for Ukraine regarding repairs to the pipeline.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that Russian attacks were the reason oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline were halted. He noted that if Budapest wants deliveries to resume, it should negotiate an energy ceasefire with Moscow.
In addition, Hungary has blocked the approval of a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. Since the decision requires unanimous backing from all 27 member states, Budapest’s position has effectively stalled the process.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó later said that Hungary would continue to block the loan until Ukraine restores the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
