Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán Viktor expressed his opinion that Europe’s decision to give up Russian energy resources is not in Europe’s interest, but at a time when Budapest is not strong enough to resist it, it will have to minimize the negative consequences for itself.
Speaking to MPs on the first day of the fall session of the Hungarian parliament, Orbán said, “Brussels has decided to make Europe give up Russian energy resources. I think this is against the interests of Europe, including Hungary. But right now we are not strong enough to resist it. The government’s goal can only be to minimize the negative effects of Brussels’ decision and adapt to the new situation.”
Western countries have increased pressure on Russia to impose sanctions over Ukraine, which has led to higher electricity, fuel and food prices in Europe and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy of the West, and that the sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the entire world economy. According to him, the West’s main goal is to make life worse for millions of people. Russia has repeatedly said that it will solve all the problems created for it by the West.