BUDAPEST / MOSCOW — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday called on the European Union (EU) to review and suspend sanctions on Russian energy, warning that rising oil prices and supply disruptions pose risks to regional energy security.
In a video message posted on social media, Orban said the increase in fuel prices in Hungary was linked to what he described as a “Ukrainian oil blockade” and escalating tensions in the Middle East. He said he had sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the EU to reconsider sanctions imposed on Russian energy.
“The Ukrainian oil blockade now represents the most serious threat not only to Hungary and Slovakia but also to the entire EU,” Orban said.
He added that the Hungarian government must prevent gasoline and diesel prices from rising to “unbearable levels,” noting that an extraordinary government meeting had been convened to address the issue.
Hungary and Slovakia have recently faced disruptions in oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to Central Europe via Ukraine. The situation has heightened tensions between the two countries and Ukraine, while raising concerns about the potential impact on regional energy supplies.
Putin: Russia ready to work with Europe on oil, gas
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia remains ready to cooperate with Europe on oil and natural gas supplies, but needs clear signals from European countries indicating their willingness to cooperate.
“If European companies and European buyers suddenly decide to reorient themselves and provide us with long-term, sustainable cooperation, devoid of political pressures, free from political pressures, then go ahead. We’ve never refused,” Putin said.
The remarks came amid soaring oil prices sent high by US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
The European Union, which banned maritime imports of Russian crude in 2022, will bear the brunt of the shock of the intense conflicts, analysts warned.
Putin also said the EU plans to introduce additional restrictions starting on April 25 on purchases of Russian energy resources, aiming to phase out such imports completely by 2027.
In light of these plans, the Russian government has been tasked with assessing the feasibility and appropriateness of halting energy supplies to the European market, he added.
“We should not sit back and wait for the door to be closed on us,” Putin said, noting that Russia should act proactively to redirect its energy exports from Europe to more attractive markets and gain a firm foothold in those regions.
Russia remains a reliable supplier of energy resources and will continue providing oil and gas to countries that have proven to be dependable partners, he noted, citing states in the Asia-Pacific region as well as some Eastern European countries, including Slovakia and Hungary.