Ahead of the extraordinary EU summit in France on Thursday, the Hungarian prime minister held a preparatory video conference with European Council President Charles Michel, and the prime ministers of Slovakia, Ireland and Spain, Bertalan Havasi, head of the Prime Minister's Press Office, told Hungary's state news agency (MTI) on Wednesday.

Hungary has a vested interest in peace and in the negotiated ending of the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, PM Orban told his meeting partners.

The effects of economic sanctions are already being felt by everyone in Europe, including Hungary, the participants said.

Similarly to the leaders of several other European states, Viktor Orban made it clear that extending sanctions to the energy sector would disproportionately burden Hungarian people, families and companies. The Hungarian government will not allow the price of the war to be paid by Hungarians.

He added that Hungary condemns Russia’s military attack on Ukraine and will provide all assistance to refugees fleeing the war. At the same time, it must be taken into account that most of the oil and natural gas coming to Hungary is from Russia and 90 per cent of families use gas for heating. Without gas and oil, the Hungarian economy would come to a standstill, the premier underlined.

In his video published on his social media page, the Hungarian premier said that sanctions affecting the energy sector would have even more serious consequences in Europe. In addition, Hungary would be disproportionately burdened, as 85% of all gas consumed in Hungary comes from Russia, 85% of Hungarian households rely on gas. In addition, the country produces fuel from oil, 64% of which is also sourced from Russia.

I made it clear that we cannot follow the example of the United States. They imposed sanctions on these products yesterday, but if Hungary joined those sanctions, it would be an unbearable burden for the country, so it is out of the question. We still need gas and oil, which comes from Russia

Viktor Orban stated in the video.