Hungarian PM Viktor Orban sent a confrontational letter to Ukrainian President Zelensky on February 26, accusing Ukraine of blocking oil supplies and drawing Hungary into conflict.
Allegations of Attempting to Draw Hungary into the War
Orban writes, “For four years, you have been unable to accept the position of the sovereign Hungarian government and the Hungarian nation regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war.” The prime minister accuses the Ukrainian leader of trying to draw Hungary into the conflict, stating “For four years, you have been working to draw Hungary into the war between your country and Russia.”
Orban also alleges political coordination with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition, claiming “We also see that you, Brussels, and the Hungarian opposition are coordinating actions to bring a pro-Ukrainian government to power in Hungary.”
Dispute over the “Friendship” Pipeline
The harshest allegations concern energy issues. Orban claims that in recent days Ukraine has blocked the “Friendship” pipeline, crucial for oil supplies to Hungary. The prime minister emphasizes that such actions harm the country’s interests, stating “Your actions are contrary to Hungary’s interests and threaten secure and affordable energy supplies for Hungarian families.”
Budapest has opposed some energy sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the war, arguing that they harm economic stability and energy prices.
We Do Not Want to Finance the War
Orban notes in the letter that Hungary does not feel responsible for Ukraine’s situation, writing “We, the Hungarian nation, are not responsible for the situation in which Ukraine finds itself.” At the same time, he expresses sympathy for Ukrainians but rejects the possibility of greater involvement.
“We do not want to finance the war effort and we do not want to pay more for energy,” Orban argues. The prime minister calls on Zelensky to immediately unblock the pipeline and stop “actions aimed at Hungary’s energy security.” The letter ends with an appeal: More respect for Hungary! So far, there has been no official response from the Ukrainian side.
