Addressing recent tensions over energy transit, Prime Minister Orbán strongly criticized Ukraine’s actions, particularly in relation to oil supplies. “Ladies and gentlemen! To impose an oil blockade on a country, as Zelensky did, is an unforgivable sin,” the prime minister said, linking the issue to broader instability in global energy markets. He emphasized that the timing—amid upheaval caused by conflicts in the Middle East—makes such decisions especially damaging.
While acknowledging Ukraine’s perspective, Prime Minister Orbán made clear that Hungary cannot align with it. “I understand the Ukrainians but I am not in a position to accept their position. They want to drag as many countries as possible into the war with them. It is in their interest. But that is not in our interest,” he stated.
The prime minister also drew a firm line regarding Hungary’s stance in Brussels, tying support for Ukraine to the restoration of oil transit. “No matter how many EU leaders demand it, until Zelensky gives us what is ours—until he allows our oil, already paid for, to pass through Ukraine—I will not support any decision in Brussels that is in Ukraine’s interest,” Prime Minister Orbán declared. He added: “We do not negotiate while being threatened and blackmailed.”
Beyond foreign policy, Prime Minister Orbán framed the issue as one with direct domestic consequences. He warned that Hungary’s energy policy—and specifically the system of reduced household energy costs—could be at risk depending on political decisions at home. “Every Hungarian should know. We either stand up for ourselves and elect a national government and take back what is ours. Or there will be a pro-Ukrainian government, and Hungary will never again receive cheap Russian energy,” he said.
In his remarks, the prime minister also criticized Brussels and the Hungarian opposition, saying that they are working against Hungary’s interests. “Brussels is at fault. In fact, together with the Hungarian opposition, they are colluding with the Ukrainians behind our backs to force Hungary into the ranks of the countries supporting the war,” he stated.