Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called Ukraine 'the enemy' of Hungary, criticizing Kiev's requests to stop energy imports from Russia.

In a speech delivered on February 7 at a rally in Szombathely, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that Ukraine is the 'enemy' of Hungary, criticizing its request to the European Union to stop imports of cheap energy from Russia. Orban, a close ally of the Kremlin, emphasized that Hungarians should not collaborate militarily or economically with Ukrainians, as they involve them in the conflict in Ukraine.

His statements come in the context of the EU Council approving a ban on the purchase of Russian gas until 2027, a measure contested by Hungary and Slovakia. Orban also stated that, although Hungary should cooperate with Ukraine as a neighbor, Kiev should not receive EU membership status. These comments come two months before the parliamentary elections in Hungary, where Orban faces increasing opposition.