Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday warned that Europe is heading toward a severe economic crisis and urged the immediate lifting of sanctions on Russian energy.

Orbán demands end to Russian santions

“Europe is heading toward one of the most severe economic crises in its history. The world is facing a serious energy crisis. Europe is in grave danger,” Orbán said on social media platform X.

“The only way out is to lift the sanctions imposed on Russian energy. Immediately. We must think not about Putin, but about our own country and our peoples. Instead of warmongering, love and save your country, Donald!” he added.

The Hungarian PM’s remarks came in response to Polish President Donald Tusk, who had accused the Hungarian leader of undermining European unity and playing into Russia’s strategic interests, according to Anadolu.

“The threat of NATO’s break-up, easing sanctions on Russia, a massive energy crisis in Europe, halting aid for Ukraine and blocking the loan for Kyiv by Orbán – it all looks like Putin’s dream plan,” Tusk said in a separate post.

Reason behind the energy crisis

The global energy crisis deepened as the US and Israel have maintained an air offensive on Iran since 28 February, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

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