Orbán Deploys Troops to Hungarian Energy Sites, Alleging “Threat” From Ukraine

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced measures to bolster the protection of critical energy infrastructure in response to what he described as Ukraine “preparing further actions to disrupt the operation of the Hungarian energy system.” However, as Hungarian outlet hvg reported on February 25, Orbán offered no specific details, sources, or evidence to substantiate his allegations.

The announcement came after discussions with his key ministers, including his national security advisor and defense officials. Orbán indicated that these actions were in response to what he perceives as Ukraine’s growing threats, particularly targeting Hungary’s energy systems.

Orbán’s statements follow recent tensions involving the Druzhba oil pipeline, a critical energy artery for both Hungary and Slovakia. The pipeline, which was shut down after a Russian drone strike in January 2026, has been a focal point of diplomatic disputes, with Hungary blaming Ukraine for the disruption, while Ukraine points to Russian aggression, hvg wrote.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, said the attack damaged “critical equipment” and made pumping impossible, adding that Hungary was informed of the cause the same day.

“Ukraine is preparing for further actions to disrupt the operation of the Hungarian energy system,” Orbán said. “We are deploying soldiers near energy facilities and increasing police patrols around key power plants, distribution stations, and control centers to prevent attacks.”

Orbán ordered a ban on drone flights over Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, further demonstrating his concern over potential aerial threats. “Hungary cannot be blackmailed,” he emphasized, stressing the need for robust defense against external threats.

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The Hungarian government’s stance on Ukraine’s alleged attempts to influence or sabotage its energy infrastructure was reinforced by Antal Rogán, Orbán’s political advisor, who discussed the threat of Ukrainian actions in interviews earlier this week.

Rogán suggested that Ukraine could be responsible for future attacks on Hungary’s energy systems, pushing the need for heightened security measures, according to hvg.

The measures include not only strengthening physical defenses around energy assets but also a new coordination body tasked with implementing specific actions to protect essential services.

Earlier, Hungary had summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to Budapest over what it describes as attempts by Kyiv to interfere in Hungary’s parliamentary elections.

“Today, we summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to the MFA in Budapest. We will not tolerate any interference in Hungary’s elections, including Ukraine’s attempts to influence the outcome and to intervene in the electoral process in favour of the Tisza Party,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó wrote.

He accused Ukraine’s leadership of conducting “an open, shameless and aggressive interference campaign” aimed at supporting the opposition Tisza Party, adding that Hungary’s future “can only be decided by the Hungarian people” and that Budapest would “defend our sovereignty by every possible means.”

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