Hungary Scales Back Troops Protecting Energy Sites From "Ukrainian Threat"

The Hungarian government has begun the withdrawal of military units previously stationed to protect critical infrastructure from what officials termed a "Ukrainian threat."

These troops were originally deployed to guard energy facilities following claims made by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the recent election campaign, according to European Pravda on April 15.

At the time, Orbán suggested that Ukraine might strike Hungary’s energy systems. These concerns were linked to allegations that Ukraine was blocking the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline. Following the conclusion of the elections, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Gábor Böröndi, issued the order to stand down the extra security.

"The Hungarian Armed Forces have begun to rationalize the number of military personnel involved in strengthening the protection of infrastructure and energy facilities," the General Staff stated.

According to military officials, the private operators of these critical sites have since updated their own security protocols. These internal adjustments have allowed the government to start reducing the military presence that had been in place since the height of the campaign.

"Therefore, the Hungarian Armed Forces will gradually reduce the number of deployed forces from April 15, 2026, and withdraw troops from those locations where the Ministry of Energy no longer considers military reinforcement necessary," the statement from the General Staff continued.

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Approximately 600 soldiers had been assigned to these protection duties. Similar security measures were also seen in Serbia, where the army was used to guard gas infrastructure leading into Hungary. Serbian officials had also claimed to have identified attempted sabotage on their pipeline networks.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated that Hungary faced a potential loss exceeding $100 billion if it chose to halt gas supplies to Ukraine.

During a briefing on March 25, 2026, Tykhyi clarified that imports had not been suspended at that time and reassured the public that Ukraine maintained the necessary gas volumes to ensure its energy security.

He emphasized that Kyiv had successfully diversified its energy sources to avoid dependence on a single provider following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, Budapest countered by announcing a gradual suspension of gas flows, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán linking the move to the ongoing halt of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.

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