Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, facing pressure in the electoral battle, declared on Wednesday that troops and police would be dispatched to safeguard Hungary's critical infrastructure. This announcement follows Orbán's accusations against Ukraine, alleging that the country is not only exerting pressure on Hungary but is also planning attacks on Hungarian energy installations. This move is seen as part of Orbán's controversial election strategy, particularly as tensions mount in Eastern Europe due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In addition to the deployment of military personnel, Hungary and Slovakia have leveled accusations against Ukraine for the interruption of oil shipments. The Družba oil pipeline, which had been reportedly damaged in a Russian drone strike in January, has been without oil flow since January 27. Slovakia and Hungary, both heavily reliant on Russian energy, are claiming that Ukraine is deliberately stalling repairs on the pipeline, exacerbating their energy crisis.

Moreover, Hungary has vetoed a new EU sanctions package and a significant 90 billion euro loan package proposed for Ukraine, further complicating Hungary's relationship with its EU partners. The situation underscores Hungary's ambivalence in the regional geopolitics of Eastern Europe, as it balances its dependence on Russian energy against the pressures of EU solidarity amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.