Hungarian Prime Minister Orban orders increased security amid alleged Ukrainian attack plots

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has ordered increased security measures at critical energy infrastructure sites amid allegations that Ukraine is attempting to disrupt Hungary’s energy system. In a social media video posted on Wednesday, Orban stated that Ukrainian intelligence services are preparing further actions to disrupt the operation of Hungary’s energy system. He did not provide details or evidence for his claims.

Orban has accused Ukraine of using an “oil blockade” to exert pressure on Hungary, which he believes is causing disruptions to the country’s energy supply. In response, Orban announced that soldiers and equipment would be deployed to repel attacks near key energy facilities, while police would patrol with increased forces around designated power plants, distribution stations, and control centers.

Hungary has maintained significant imports of Russian oil and gas despite international pressure to reduce or cease these imports since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The country recently threatened to block a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and vetoed new EU sanctions against Russia.

The European Union’s longest-serving leader, Orban is facing his strongest challenge to power in parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. His right-wing Fidesz party trails in most independent polls to upstart centre-right challenger Peter Magyar. Orban has launched an aggressive anti-Ukraine media campaign, portraying the country as an existential threat to Hungary.

In response to this campaign, Budapest’s liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony stated that Orban’s messaging and policies are “a betrayal not only of Ukraine but of Hungary’s national interest”. A 19-year-old veterinary medicine student from Odesa, who is studying in Budapest, expressed skepticism about the billboards depicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which she believes aim to mislead voters.

Magyar has focused his campaign on addressing rising living costs, improving social services, and reducing corruption. He also promises to restore Hungary’s Western orientation and bolster its relations with other European countries.

Source: Al Jazeera