Hungary's Orban orders extra security, alleges Ukraine attacks plot

"Prime Minister Viktor Orban ordered extra security at critical energy infrastructure sites after accusing Ukraine of trying to disrupt Hungary's energy system. In a video posted to social media on Wednesday, Orban, who maintains the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any European Union leader, said the Ukrainian government is using an oil blockade to exert pressure on Hungary."

"We will deploy soldiers and the necessary equipment to repel attacks near key energy facilities, Orban said. The police will patrol with increased forces around designated power plants, distribution stations and control centres."

"Nearly every country in Europe has significantly reduced or entirely ceased Russian energy imports since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. However, Hungary and Slovakia both EU and NATO members have maintained and even increased imports of Russian oil and gas and received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, facing parliamentary elections in April, ordered enhanced security at energy infrastructure sites following accusations that Ukraine is attempting to disrupt Hungary's energy supply. Orban claimed Ukrainian intelligence is preparing actions against Hungary's energy system through an oil blockade via the Druzhba pipeline, though he provided no evidence. Hungary and Slovakia remain EU and NATO members importing Russian energy despite widespread European sanctions following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Budapest accused Kyiv of deliberately restricting Russian oil deliveries through the pipeline crossing Ukrainian territory, allegations Ukraine denies, attributing damage to Russian drone attacks. Orban has threatened to block EU aid to Ukraine and vetoed new sanctions against Russia, conditioning support on resumed oil shipments.

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