Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized Ukraine’s approach to halting gas transit to Europe, calling Kyiv’s “aggressive and hostile remarks” unacceptable.
Speaking alongside Slovak PM Robert Fico in Bratislava, Orbán stressed that such tactics wouldn’t resolve the issue and urged negotiations instead, as the transit stoppage threatens the energy security of Hungary, Slovakia, and the region.
Orbán emphasized mutual respect in international relations and warned Ukraine against alienating its neighbors. He noted that Ukraine’s EU and NATO ambitions require the unanimous approval of member states, which Kyiv risks losing with its current behavior. He argued that Ukraine’s EU membership would strain the bloc’s finances and harm Hungarian farmers, while NATO accession could provoke direct conflict with Russia, a scenario Hungary opposes.
Orbán reiterated the need for peace and criticized Brussels’ pro-war policies and sanctions for driving up energy prices. He praised strengthened Hungarian-Slovak ties, highlighting infrastructure projects and increased trade cooperation, and called for regional unity to safeguard shared interests against external pressures.
