Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that severing energy ties with Russia would plunge the country’s economy into crisis, stating it would “drop by 4% within a minute” and leave it “on its knees.”
Orban made the remarks during a recent interview, emphasizing Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas. He highlighted geographic and infrastructural challenges, including the nation’s dependence on the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, which has faced disruptions due to attacks linked to Ukraine.
During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Orban argued that Hungary’s energy security is non-negotiable. Trump reportedly acknowledged the concerns, calling Orban a “great guy” and a “great friend of mine,” while noting Hungary’s limited access to alternative supply routes.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reinforced the government’s stance, rejecting pressure from Brussels to abandon Russian energy ties. He criticized the European Union for failing to protect member states’ energy infrastructure following attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, calling it a “scandal.”
