Orbán: Continuing the war is in Ukraine’s interest, Hungary may hit back with energy measures

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said that for Ukraine, the continuation of the war is a “matter of life and death”, arguing that Kyiv’s financial survival depends on keeping the conflict going. Speaking at a government forum in Békéscsaba, he also raised the prospect of retaliatory steps by Hungary in the energy sector if tensions escalate further.

‘War clouds overhead’

After opening with positive local messages, Orbán warned of what he described as “clouds towering above our heads”, according to 24.hu’s summary. The PM called Békéscsaba a battle-scarred city with historical experience of conflict, saying this was why the government chose it as the venue for an “explicitly anti-war” gathering.

During the event, audience members asked whether oil deliveries through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline could resume before the next election, and what Hungary should do if Croatia refuses transit for Russian crude. One question even suggested reconsidering holidays in Croatia if energy cooperation fails.

Orbán did not give a clear answer on when supplies might restart.

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• Croatia’s Janaf rejects Hungarian government concerns, says it can fully supply Hungary with non-Russian oil

Ukraine ‘interested in war continuing’

According to the prime minister, Ukraine benefits financially from prolonging the war because international aid continues to flow as long as fighting persists.

He claimed Ukrainian leaders aim to use the conflict to secure broader political and financial goals, including extracting more money from European countries. Orbán argued that Hungary’s position runs counter to Kyiv’s interests, suggesting Ukraine would prefer to see a change of government in Budapest.

He also accused Ukraine of wielding what he called an “energy weapon”, though he did not mention that earlier disruptions to pipeline deliveries were linked to Russian military attacks.

Possible countermeasures

Orbán said Hungary had already defended itself against energy-related risks and was prepared to take further “counterstrikes”. Among the measures he cited were halting diesel supplies and potentially vetoing a planned European Union loan package for Ukraine, even though Hungary would not participate in that facility.

He added that a significant share of Ukraine’s electricity imports comes from Hungary, warning that stopping these flows could have “serious consequences”. He did not rule out such a step.

‘We are capable of anything’

In a lighter moment, Orbán joked about past visits to the local sausage festival before striking a more confident tone about Hungary’s economic achievements. Echoing earlier remarks by Construction and Transport Minister János Lázár, he said the government had built some of the world’s most modern factories “in the middle of the Great Plain”.

“With due modesty, I say we are capable of anything,” Orbán said, adding that once the government agrees on a programme with citizens, it has the ability to deliver results.