Briefly
Viktor Orbán published an open letter to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which he accuses Kyiv of allegedly interfering in elections and calls for the Druzhba pipeline to be reopened. The letter appeared against the backdrop of the official start of the election campaign in Hungary and immediately takes on political and energy significance for both sides.
What exactly Orbán wrote
In the letter the prime minister claims that Ukraine is allegedly coordinating actions with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to strengthen pro‑Ukrainian sentiments in Hungary. Orbán also publicly complains about the blocking of Russian oil transit through Ukraine — calling it a threat to the energy security of Hungarian families and demanding the restoration of supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline.
"During this time you received the support of Brussels and secured the backing of the Hungarian opposition. We also see that you, Brussels and the Hungarian opposition are coordinating efforts to bring a pro‑Ukrainian government to power in Hungary"
— Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
"We sympathize with the Ukrainian people, but we do not want to take part in the war. We do not want to finance military efforts and we do not want to pay more for energy. I call on you to immediately reopen the 'Druzhba' pipeline and refrain from any further attacks on Hungary's energy security. Show more respect for Hungary!"
— Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
Why this happened now
Political timing. The launch of the campaign on February 21 makes the issue of Ukraine a central element of Orbán’s pre-election rhetoric. Analysts point out: fear of "interference" in national affairs is an effective tool for mobilizing part of the electorate.
Energy leverage. The demand to restore transit on the "Druzhba" pipeline is both an internal message to voters and a signal to Moscow that Hungary is prepared to defend access to energy supplies. According to Brussels, there are no short‑term risks for Hungary and Slovakia thanks to 90‑day reserves, but political pressure on Kyiv is rising.
What it means for Ukraine
Diplomatic front. The letter increases the risk of the Hungarian side blocking parts of European support, especially on issues concerning the Hungarian minority and cross‑border cooperation. This requires cautious but active diplomacy from Kyiv.
Energy front. There is currently no direct technical threat, but demands to restore transit can be used as an argument in internal Hungarian negotiations or as leverage in talks with Moscow. The Ukrainian government needs to work with EU partners to present the facts and remove the emotional component from this rhetoric.
How to respond — practically
An effective response should have three vectors: first, explanatory diplomacy for Hungarian voters and politicians about the consequences of energy decisions; second, coordination with Brussels regarding energy reserves and alternative routes; third, work with international media and experts so that the context of the letter does not become a tool for disinformation.
Conclusion
Orbán’s letter is not merely a personal grievance with Kyiv. It signals that energy and Hungary’s domestic politics are intertwined with regional geopolitics at the start of the election campaign. For Ukraine it is important not to dramatize, but also not to ignore: a clear, well‑argued response is needed now to defuse emotions and highlight real risks and opportunities. Whether the public appeal turns into concrete steps depends on how quickly diplomacy works and how robust coordination with EU partners will be.
Sources: V. Orbán's public letter; materials from LIGA.net; statements from Brussels regarding energy reserves.
