Orbán: Hungary-Russia Ties Under Scrutiny – EU Response Demanded

March 25, 2026 Lucas Fernandez – World Editor World

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán refused to lift his veto on a €90 billion (£78 billion) loan for Ukraine at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, drawing accusations of disloyalty and blackmail from fellow European leaders. The impasse, which stretched late into the night, underscored growing tensions between Budapest and its EU partners, particularly over Ukraine and Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy.

Orbán’s opposition centers on a dispute regarding the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine via the Druzhba pipeline. He claims Ukraine has disrupted supplies and is demanding Kyiv repair the pipeline before releasing the EU funds. Ukrainian officials state the pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January and that restoring oil flow would effectively lift sanctions on Moscow.

“No oil = no money,” Orbán posted on X following the summit, signaling his firm stance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterized Orbán’s actions as “a gross act of disloyalty,” while European Council head António Costa described them as “blackmail.”

The situation has ignited scrutiny of Hungary’s close ties with Russia, particularly as Orbán faces elections on April 12. According to a recent report by the Center for the Study of Democracy, Russian crude accounted for 93% of Hungary’s oil imports in 2025, a significant increase from 61% in 2021. The report also highlights Hungary’s continued dependence on Russian gas and nuclear energy, describing the country as “the most significant remaining stronghold of Russian energy dependence” in Europe.

Adding to the concerns, allegations have surfaced suggesting the Hungarian government may have been providing Russia with inside information from EU meetings. Opposition leader Peter Magyar has called for an investigation into what he termed “treason,” claiming the government may have shared confidential details with Moscow.

Sources within the EU have indicated that the gathering of leaders on Thursday was marked by “thinly-veiled fury” directed at Orbán. The Dutch newspaper Trouw reported that several EU officials believe Orbán is deliberately acting on a “tasks list” provided by the Kremlin.

Further complicating matters, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed his communications had been intercepted by an EU member state, prompting Orbán to order an investigation into the alleged “afluisteren” (eavesdropping).

Despite the strong criticism, Orbán has remained defiant. The EU is currently seeking alternative ways to provide aid to Ukraine, but the deadlock over the €90 billion loan remains unresolved. No further meetings to address the issue have been scheduled as of Wednesday, March 25, 2026.