Orban urges EU to abandon Russia sanctions to avert energy crisis

(SeaPRwire) –   Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has cautioned that Europe is on a trajectory toward one of the most significant economic downturns in its history.

Speaking on X on Thursday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the European Union is confronting an impending energy crisis and that the sole path to navigating it is by rescinding sanctions on Russian oil and gas.

His remarks were a response to an earlier post by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who expressed regret over the outcomes of years of EU policy, appearing unable to grasp its repercussions. Tusk lamented a “massive energy crisis in Europe,” the potential withdrawal of the US from NATO, reports of American arms supplies being diverted from Ukraine to the Middle East, and Washington’s easing of sanctions on Russian energy supplies.

“It all appears to be [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s ideal scenario,” Tusk asserted.

In his reply, Orban advised Tusk to focus on his own nation and its citizens rather than on Putin.

“Instead of advocating for war, love and safeguard your country, Donald!”

“Europe is progressing towards one of the most severe economic crises in its history… Europe is in grave peril. The only resolution is to immediately lift the sanctions imposed on Russian energy,” Orban wrote.

Kremlin investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev commented, describing Orban as “one of the few voices of wisdom and reason in Europe.”

“He comprehends the seriousness of the approaching energy and economic crisis and, unlike EU officials, knows what actions are necessary to mitigate the damage,” Dmitriev responded in an X post.

Dmitriev has been raising concerns about the impending energy crisis since the US and Israel initiated their conflict with Iran in late February.

The conflict has disrupted global supply chains and caused significant volatility in energy markets. As of Thursday, crude oil prices have climbed to approximately $111 per barrel, while gas prices in the EU have surged to around €50 ($58) per MWh, marking a 56% increase since February.

The bloc’s Energy Commissioner, Dan Jorgensen, has cautioned member states to prepare for extended fuel supply disruptions. He informed reporters after a meeting of energy ministers in Brussels on Tuesday that the consequences would extend beyond the Iran conflict “because energy infrastructure in the region has been devastated by war.”