PM Orban: Ukrainians Openly, Harshly Threaten Hungary in Explicitly Blackmailing Tone

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a joint press conference following the Hungary–Georgia government summit. At the briefing, Viktor Orban emphasized that Hungary stands up for Georgia’s sovereignty both in bilateral relations and on the European stage. Viktor Orban also responded to the Ukrainian president's remarks attacking Hungary.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze (Photo: Zoltan Havran)

Before the press conference, the two prime ministers signed a joint statement, and members of the two governments signed several cooperation agreements
Photo: Zoltan Havran

"Our trade volume has reached a record. For the first time, it surpassed 100 million dollars, which is especially important for Hungary. A large portion of this is Hungarian pharmaceutical products purchased by Georgia. With this, Hungary contributes to the healthcare of Georgian people. We also discussed energy cooperation in working groups. We have a joint energy program involving five countries, including Hungary, said Viktor Orban, pointing out that

The aim is to bring green electricity produced in the Caucasus to Hungary and the EU through this system. That’s why energy cooperation must remain a priority,

he emphasized.

Viktor Orban offered two examples: "On the one hand, we have Ukraine, which is closing energy transport routes. On the other hand, there’s us, we’re building pipelines, making connections, and opening paths for economic activity."

We will continue making such decisions with our Georgian friends. The outlook for economic cooperation is especially promising,

he added.

Viktor Orban Sent a Message Also to Zelensky

The Hungarian prime minister also addressed Ukraine's attack against Hungary.

If the prime minister allows me, I must dedicate a sentence to yesterday's unprecedented event when the Ukrainians openly and harshly threatened Hungary in an explicitly blackmailing tone. They made it clear they will not accept Hungarian citizens making a decision about Ukraine’s EU accession, especially if the decision is negative. Because of this, they threaten, blackmail, and attack us,

Viktor Orban said, adding that "we must reject this. Ukraine owes Hungary its gratitude."

We’ve never said this before, but it’s the truth. We allowed Ukrainian refugees to pass through Hungary, gave them access to all public services, treated their wounded soldiers, and educate their children. Instead of blackmail and threats, we recommend that the Ukrainian president thank the Hungarian people and show respect toward Hungary,

he said.

In response to a question, Viktor Orban said that Ukraine’s actions, especially regarding energy, are harming the daily economic interests of ten million Hungarians.

They are making demands against Hungary in Brussels that could double or even quadruple household gas prices here. The Ukrainian president is essentially saying he wants to take money from the pockets of Hungarians to wage his war with more success. We will not ruin Hungarian families financially so that Ukraine can achieve its goals in the war,

Hungary's prime minister stated.

Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze (Photo: Zoltan Havran)