Hungary enhances military safeguards for energy sites citing Ukrainian threats, amid oil supply disputes.
Military Deployments
Hungary’s Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced Thursday that helicopter capabilities in the country’s east have been doubled to counter slow-flying devices that are difficult to intercept. The military has also received numerous jamming devices.
A list of 20 critical energy endpoints, compiled at the Energy Ministry’s request, will receive additional protection. By next week, 60 such sites are slated to gain military support.
Energy Security Measures
Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated these actions aim to prevent and repel air and land attacks on Hungary’s energy infrastructure, safeguarding vital economic assets and national security. He noted Hungary and Slovakia face an oil blockade by a “blackmailing state.”
Oil flows to Slovakia and Hungary halted in January after Russia attacked the “Przyjaźń” pipeline. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reported ongoing security repairs and proposed alternative non-Russian oil supply solutions in February.
Orbán’s Assertions
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Kossuth Rádió Friday that “Ukrainians are capable of anything,” citing the need to deploy soldiers, police, and crisis units to protect energy infrastructure. He referenced the Nord Stream sabotage as proof of Ukraine’s ability to damage essential energy infrastructure outside its territory.
Orbán claimed over four years he learned to deal with Ukrainians “in a specific way,” citing specific intelligence justifying the closure of critical energy sites.
