Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a bold statement during a campaign rally, labeling Ukraine as an 'enemy' due to its insistence that Hungary cease buying Russian oil and gas. This declaration comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict that began in February 2022 and Hungary's resistance to European Union sanctions against Russia. Orban condemned Ukraine's demands, claiming they undermine Hungary’s national security and threaten to escalate household energy costs significantly.

During his speech in Szombathely, Orban expressed strong opposition to Ukraine's pressure on Hungary, asserting that as long as Ukraine continues to demand a disconnection from its affordable Russian energy supplies, it cannot be seen as an ally but rather as a direct adversary. He articulated the potential financial burden on Hungarian households if the country were to comply with such demands, highlighting the economic implications of the geopolitical rift.

Orban also reiterated his resistance to Ukraine’s aspirations for deeper integration with the EU, warning that a military or economic alliance with Ukraine could lead to further complications. He emphasized Hungary's strategic interests and called for a careful consideration of alliances that could disproportionately burden the country amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to the war in Ukraine. As Hungary prepares to take formal actions against Ukraine regarding these issues, the situation reflects the complex interplay of energy politics and national security in the region.