Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that severing energy ties with Russia would plunge the country’s economy into immediate crisis. During a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Orban emphasized that Hungary’s economic performance would drop by 4% “within a minute” if it cut off Russian oil and gas supplies. The prime minister cited geographic and infrastructural challenges as key reasons for resisting pressure from Brussels and Washington to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
Orban stated during an interview: “It means the Hungarian economy would be on its knees.” When asked about Trump’s response, Orban noted that while both nations have differing interests, Hungary remains committed to defending its national priorities. Trump reportedly acknowledged Orban’s concerns, calling him a “great guy” and a “great friend,” and highlighted Hungary’s reliance on the Druzhba pipeline, which has been targeted by Ukrainian attacks, disrupting supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated that Budapest would not yield to external pressure, criticizing the European Union for failing to protect member states’ energy security. He condemned the recent Ukrainian army’s reckless decision to attack the Druzhba pipeline, which has disrupted critical energy flows. Szijjarto described the EU’s inaction as a scandal, emphasizing Hungary’s refusal to abandon its national interests.
