A Russian deputy has warned Hungary that energy supplies could be cut off after Budapest labelled Moscow a security threat. Hungary’s new government, formed by the Tisza party, described Russia as a security danger, signalling a sharp break from the policies of Viktor Orban. Moscow cautioned that this shift could jeopardise the flow of Russian oil and gas to Hungary.
A member of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee, Andrey Kolesnik, said Russia might halt oil and gas deliveries to Hungary. His remarks responded to Budapest’s new foreign‑policy doctrine, which designates Russia as a security threat. “Madar was tasked with taking a hostile position towards Russia. They are trying to gain some advantage. I believe that the supply of oil and energy to Hungary from Russia is now in question after such statements,” Kolesnik told the Russian newspaper Gazeta.ru.
Budapest’s change of course
Peter Madar’s Tisza party defeated Viktor Orban’s nationalist government in April. Since then, Madar has pledged to overhaul foreign policy, seeking closer ties with the EU and NATO while distancing Hungary from the Kremlin‑aligned approach of his predecessor.
In a document released on Wednesday ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly, the government declared that Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging negotiations to achieve lasting peace and security guarantees.
“Russia’s behaviour poses a threat to Hungary, Europe, and the global order, as well as to the Hungarian minority living in Transcarpathia,” the statement reads. Moscow has not issued an official response.
Energy dependence and past relations
Andrey Kolesnik, who did not name Madar directly, belongs to Vladimir Putin’s ruling party and frequently echoes Kremlin talking points. He also claimed that Hungary has faced pressure from the European Union to adopt an anti‑Russian stance.
Hungary remains one of the few EU members still importing large volumes of Russian oil and natural gas via Soviet‑era pipelines. Together with Slovakia, Budapest secured an exemption in 2022 from EU sanctions that ban pipeline imports of Russian oil.
Viktor Orban was long seen as Vladimir Putin’s closest partner within the European Union, repeatedly blocking EU statements and sanctions against Russia. He argued that Russia does not threaten Hungary, given NATO’s far greater military strength, of which Hungary is a member.
Last year, Russian intelligence services criticised Peter Madar in a rare written statement, calling him a tool of the EU and repeating themes promoted by Orban’s party, Fidesz. After the change of government in Budapest, however, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it is ready for pragmatic relations with the new Hungarian administration.
Source: Euronews
