Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán convened a defense council and deployed troops to safeguard a section of the TurkStream gas pipeline following a reported sabotage incident in Serbia.
Orbán Orders Military Deployment
Prime Minister Orbán announced the military deployment in a social media post, stating the forces would protect and monitor the portion of the gas pipeline located within Hungarian territory. This action follows a reported sabotage incident targeting the TurkStream pipeline in Serbia’s Vojvodina province.
Orbán confirmed that no one was injured and gas supplies were not disrupted despite the incident.
Energy Crisis and Russian Supplies
Orbán emphasized Europe’s current unprecedented energy crisis, asserting that European countries need, and will continue to need, increased Russian energy supplies. He noted the pipeline in question supplies 60% of Hungary’s gas needs.
Accusations Against Ukraine
Orbán accused Ukraine of years-long attempts to “cut off Europe from Russian energy supplies,” claiming Ukrainian plans pose a threat to Hungary.
Hungary Labels Incident as ‘Terrorist Attack’
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó characterized the incident as a “terrorist attack” and part of a series of Ukrainian attacks in recent weeks. He stated Hungarian soldiers would be deployed along the entire length of the pipeline, from the Serbian to the Slovakian border.
Szijjártó consulted with Serbian, Turkish, and Russian energy officials regarding the situation.
Ukraine Denies Involvement
Ukraine categorically rejected any connection to the incident involving explosives found near the TurkStream pipeline in Serbia, asserting it has no involvement.
A Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson suggested the incident may be a Russian false flag operation as part of Moscow’s interference in the Hungarian elections.
Serbian Discovery of Explosives
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the discovery of a powerful explosive device near the gas pipeline, which could have endangered many people and disrupted gas supplies. He informed Orbán, prompting the emergency defense council meeting.
Pipeline Details and Prior Security Measures
The pipeline is part of the Balkan Stream system, transporting Russian gas through Turkey, Bulgaria, and Serbia to Hungary. In February, Orbán ordered increased security for energy infrastructure, citing repeated Ukrainian accusations of attempting to disrupt energy supplies to Hungary.
Incident Occurs Before Hungarian Elections
The incident occurred a week before the Hungarian parliamentary elections. The opposition TISZA party currently leads Fidesz in most independent polls, with a recent Median poll showing 58% support for TISZA versus 35% for Fidesz. Another poll by 21 Research Center showed 56% for TISZA and 37% for Fidesz.
Opposition Leader Suggests False Flag Operation
TISZA leader Péter Magyar suggested the incident could be a government false flag operation, stating Hungarians have reason to fear the outgoing prime minister, guided by Russian agents, is attempting to instill fear through such operations.
