During the interview, Prime Minister Orbán addressed a wide range of international developments from the Middle East conflict to the war in Ukraine and the implications for Hungary’s security and energy supply. The prime minister emphasized that Hungary’s primary responsibility is to protect the safety of its citizens and maintain stability in an unpredictable global situation.
The discussion began with the evacuation of Hungarian citizens stranded abroad due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. PM Orbán explained that evacuations from Jordan were easier to organize than from Gulf countries, where the situation is changing rapidly. Safety remains the absolute priority, the prime minister said, noting that the government does not want to expose Hungarian citizens to potential terrorist attacks during rescue operations.
“Strategic calm is needed,” the prime minister said, stressing that the government must wait for the right moment to act.
Turning to global geopolitics, Prime Minister Orbán also commented on the United States’ recent military actions in Iran and Venezuela. According to the prime minister, U.S. President Donald Trump views these strikes not as the start of a war but as an attempt to eliminate what he considers major sources of instability. Whether these actions ultimately lead to peace will depend on whether the situation improves compared to before the attacks, PM Orbán noted.
The conversation also touched on energy security, which remains a central issue for Hungary. PM Orbán said he had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who confirmed that Russia can continue to supply Hungary with the contracted volume of oil despite turbulence in the global market. However, transporting that oil remains dependent on Ukraine allowing transit through its territory.
This issue led to a broader discussion of Ukraine’s decision to halt certain energy flows, including those through the Druzhba pipeline. Prime Minister Orbán described the move as political pressure aimed at influencing Hungary’s domestic politics.
“If we accept that enforcing our rights becomes a matter of bargaining, then we will be blackmailed again and again,” PM Orbán said, arguing that Hungary must firmly reject such pressure.
According to the prime minister, Ukraine is obligated under its agreements with the European Union not to jeopardize the energy security of EU member states. Hungary will therefore continue to push for the restoration of oil transit using all available diplomatic and legal tools within the EU framework.
PM Orbán also addressed relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, explaining that while preparations for a meeting have been ongoing, the Ukrainian side has presented demands that Hungary cannot accept. Among these are requests that Hungary abandon Russian energy sources and that it provide financial assistance and support for Ukraine’s war effort.
“We do not want to give up cheap Russian oil and gas, we do not want to finance the war, and we do not want to support it,” the prime minister said.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Orbán framed Hungary’s strategic objective in clear terms. In his view, Europe faces the risk of broader conflict but Hungary must avoid being drawn into it.
“The key word of the next four years will be staying out,” PM Orbán said. “Can we stay out of the war, can we stay out of military shipments, can we stay out of financial aid? Staying out is the key word.”
He added that ensuring Hungary’s security and independence in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment remains the government’s central mission.