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Armoured convoy and secret routes: Rubio heads to Budapest – replacing Russian gas could be on the table
Amid unusually tight security measures, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Budapest. The mid-February visit is far more than a routine diplomatic courtesy call: serious geopolitical and energy supply issues are unfolding behind the scenes that could influence how much room Hungary has for manoeuvre in the coming years.
According to a report by Blikk, the minister will be accompanied by a personal security detail of around 30 bodyguards, as well as dozens of diplomats and members of the press, bringing the total size of the American delegation close to 100 people. His protection is being handled by the Diplomatic Security Service, considered one of the largest federal security units operating worldwide.
Some members of the security team reportedly arrived in the Hungarian capital weeks in advance in plain clothes to assess locations. Hungarian authorities, including the Terrorelhárítási Központ (Counter-Terrorism Centre, TEK), are assisting the visit under heightened readiness. Sources suggest the convoy could consist of as many as 30 armoured vehicles.
Not just protocol: energy is the real stake
Official statements say the talks will focus on bilateral relations and regional stability. However, according to Portfolio, the most sensitive issue is likely to be energy security. Washington’s apparent aim is to accelerate the region’s shift away from Russian energy carriers.
The situation is further complicated by a decision of the European Council, under which a full ban on Russian LNG and pipeline gas imports could come into force across the European Union from 2027. The Hungarian government strongly opposes the move and has launched legal action.
The cabinet of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán argues that without Russian oil and gas, both security of supply and the country’s household utility price cap policy would be at risk. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has taken a similar line, describing the EU regulation as “energy suicide”.
Alarm bells in Moscow
Portfolio reports that Rubio’s Central European tour has already triggered unease in the Russian press. Several outlets speculate that the US side could arrive in Budapest and Bratislava with ready-made LNG agreements designed to permanently push Russian suppliers out of the market.
Such a shift would hit Moscow particularly hard, as Hungary is one of the EU’s largest importers of Russian fossil fuels. Hungarian purchases generate billions of euros in annual revenue for the Russian budget.
Meanwhile, Russia’s economy is weakening: the budget deficit is widening, energy revenues are falling, and reserves are shrinking. Analysts say it is crucial for Moscow to retain its last remaining EU customers, including Hungary.
If you missed it:
Who is Rubio?
This will be Rubio’s first visit to Budapest, and he is the first US secretary of state of Latin American descent. A native Spanish speaker from a modest family background, he is a father of four and is known as a keen sports enthusiast.
The last time a US secretary of state visited the Hungarian capital was in 2019, when Mike Pompeo made an official trip.
Budapest becomes a geopolitical crossroads
Rubio’s arrival is more than a diplomatic gesture. He comes at a time when energy security, the Russia–West confrontation, and evolving EU regulations are all shaping the region’s future. Hungary now finds itself at the centre of decisions that could redefine not only its foreign policy, but also its long-term energy strategy.
…’replacing Russian gas could be on the table.’
For Hungary to replace Russian gas the United States would have to agree, in a written contract for decades coming, to sell our stolen Venezeulan gas at a loss.
Also, Hungary would have to close the Friendship Pipeline.
Though I suppose this is theoretically plausible, I do not think it at all likely.
It makes no sense from the point of view of years of Orbán Viktor’s foreign relations and diplomacy.
No one in their right mind would rely on TEK. They can’t even drive a car without getting into an accident only to be rescued by emergency personnel.
As for Russian dick-head Mouton how are you pretending to be American when you talk about “our stolen Venezuelan gas”. Stolen from who?
As for Fidesz. You wanted Trump to come. You wanted JD Vance to come. Be careful what you wish for. Now you get Marco Rubio and he is going to turn the screws on you. Russian gas is over. It won’t flow through the pipeline through Bulgaria to get to Hungary come the end of next year. Now is the time to make alternative arrangements and “Little Marco” is bringing the paperwork to sign.