PM Orbán warned of rising global energy prices, criticized Ukraine’s recent oil-related decisions, and outlined Hungary’s response, emphasizing that the country will not yield to external pressure.
Prime Minister Orbán began by addressing the immediate risks facing Hungary in light of the recent developments in the Middle East. “This afternoon, when I finish here, I am going to a defense council meeting to assess the exact extent of the danger, but a significant increase in global energy prices is threatening. We do not know if this will happen, but the chance is more than serious.” In such circumstances, he argued, cutting Hungary off from cheap oil is “a double sin. It is a double danger.”
According to PM Orbán Ukraine had given repeated assurances that oil transit would resume. “They have been stringing us along for weeks now — one day, two days, three days. And now it has become clear that this was just deception, there is no question of restarting.”
He stressed that Hungary’s assessments show “there is no technical obstacle whatsoever” to oil deliveries suggesting political motives in the background.
“If we did not know the Ukrainians, including the president, whose word is worthless,” Prime Minister Orbán said, Hungary would be in serious trouble. He added that thanks to strengthened reserves “we would be in great trouble today” had preparations not been made.
“What Zelensky has now done, he did not do against Hungarian industry, he did not do against MOL, he did this against all Hungarians,” PM Orbán declared. He rejected calls to accept higher-priced energy, noting that some in Hungary support complying with Ukrainian demands. “I belong to another political tradition. I learned that if you are blackmailed once, you will always be blackmailed. From the start, we must clearly say that Hungary cannot be blackmailed. Hungary cannot be ruined.”
Prime Minister Orbán outlined countermeasures, including halting diesel shipments to Ukraine and keeping further steps in reserve. He also confirmed that Hungary will block decisions in Brussels requiring unanimity if they serve Ukraine’s interests until oil deliveries resume. “We are not willing to accept” the 20th sanctions package against Russia, he said, adding that the previously discussed €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine will not receive Hungary’s approval.
The prime minister argued that certain Western energy companies could benefit from the situation. “If anyone profited from the war, it was the large Western energy companies led by Shell. They are the dogs of war. They enriched themselves on the suffering of others.”
Turning to domestic politics, PM Orbán warned that Brussels and Kyiv want a government in Budapest that aligns with their war policies. “We are the only ones who do not give weapons, do not give money, and it is clear that we will never give soldiers either,” he stated.
Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Orbán called for unity ahead of what he described as a decisive political battle. “Zelensky cannot laugh in the end. Zelensky cannot blackmail Hungary. Hungary rejects Zelensky’s demand, and we will break the oil blockade.”
He emphasized that true strength comes from national unity: “The strength of the government is provided by national unity.”