In a provocative statement at an anti-war protest in Szombathely, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán characterized Ukraine as an enemy of Hungary, claiming that the country is exerting pressure on Brussels to cut Hungary off from affordable Russian energy supplies. Orbán's remarks come against a backdrop of increasing tensions regarding energy resources and EU accession policies. He warned that such actions could significantly raise utility costs for Hungarian households, stating that families could incur an additional 1 million forints annually if prices are not mitigated.

Orbán's comments reflect deeper geopolitical concerns, where Hungary’s reliance on Russian energy and its complex relationship with Ukraine come to the forefront. He emphasized the necessity for cooperation because of geographical proximity, but coupled this with a firm stance against Ukraine's potential EU membership. This stance aligns with Hungary's ongoing legal disputes with the European Union over energy regulations, notably the recent lawsuit challenging REPowerEU regulations that limit the import of Russian energy.

The implications of Orbán's statements could further strain Hungary's relationship with Ukraine and perhaps affect broader EU policies regarding energy dependencies and integration efforts. As Hungary navigates its energy challenges and political relations within Europe, Orbán's definition of an 'enemy' in this context raises questions about unity within the EU in times of geopolitical unrest.