Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán demands that Europe "immediately" lift sanctions on Russian energy and responded to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's words about "Putin's dream," UNN reports.
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He justified this by trying to protect the economy from "one of the most serious economic crises in its history" that arose as a result of the war with Iran.
"Europe is heading for one of the most serious economic crises in its history. The world is facing a serious energy crisis. Europe is in serious danger. The only way out is to lift the sanctions imposed on Russian energy. Immediately," Orbán said on social media.
In response to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's warning that Trump's and Orbán's recent actions resemble "Putin's dream plan," the embattled Hungarian leader appears to have doubled down on his calls for a pro-Russian shift in EU policy, The Guardian writes.
Tusk called US withdrawal from NATO and cessation of aid to Ukraine "Putin's dream"02.04.26, 15:07
"We should not think about Putin, but about our own country and our people. Instead of inciting war, love and save your country, Donald," he mocked Tusk.
Before this, another spat arose. After a video on the Polish Prime Minister's party's social media page mentioned the Hungarian leader "hand in hand with Putin," Orbán launched attacks on Tusk: "Dear Donald Tusk, I wonder if this video was filmed in Poland, or by your bosses in Berlin."
As The Guardian notes, the pair – once close political allies – have repeatedly clashed in recent months over Orbán's repeated attempts to block further sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine, and recent media reports have highlighted the close ties between his government and Moscow.
Orbán's comments come just 10 days before key parliamentary elections in Hungary, amid polls suggesting he could be ousted from office after 16 years in power amid growing frustration with the state of the economy and the country's political class, the publication points out.
Magyar's party leads Orban by 19% according to new polls - Bloomberg01.04.26, 16:50