Russia has made a new point of focus in Europe, and this time it involves Hungary, a full member of NATO and the European Union. A senior Russian official revealed major details about an ongoing energy deal that continues to bind the two countries together despite rising tension in the region.
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Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister praised Hungary as one of Moscow’s most dependable partners in Europe after talks between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian officials. He noted that, unlike many EU countries that cut back on Russian energy after the Ukraine war, Hungary has kept its long-term agreements in place.
Hungary continues to receive stable pipeline gas supplies under its existing energy deal. Russia delivered a record 8.6 billion cubic meters last year, and 5.4 billion cubic meters in the first ten months of this year, showing the flow remains steady.
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The Deputy PM said Hungary gains a major advantage from these long-term pipeline deliveries, as they are cheaper and more predictable than LNG, which many other EU members now rely on. This helps Hungary keep energy costs lower for its industries and households.
He added that despite EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas, Hungary chose to maintain its energy deal, arguing that its economy depends on affordable supplies. Russia, in return, called Hungary a principled partner focused on its own security and stability.
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Along with natural gas, Hungary continues to receive oil from Russia. Even after the EU banned most Russian oil imports, Hungary received special exemptions, mainly because it is a landlocked country with a refinery built specifically for Russian crude.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that oil shipments to Hungary remain smooth. He pointed out that Budapest recently secured an important license from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This license allows Russian oil company Lukoil to continue deliveries to Hungary until November 2026, despite broader U.S. restrictions on Russian energy.
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This development is significant because it gives Hungary a secure supply at a time when international rules around Russian energy are tightening. The Russian official said that this license further strengthens the long-term energy deal between the two countries and protects Hungary from supply disruptions.
He also noted that joint projects involving Hungarian companies operating inside Russia are progressing successfully. These projects include energy-related ventures, manufacturing partnerships, and systems that support the existing energy deal structure.
According to him, both countries benefit, and the cooperation continues to operate “smoothly and effectively.” He said Hungary understands the importance of having reliable partners, and Russia sees Hungary as a country that sticks to its agreements.
What the Announcement Means for Europe and the Ukraine Conflict
The timing of the Russian Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement is important. Europe is sharply divided over how to handle relations with Moscow, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Many EU countries argue that strong pressure on Russia is necessary. Hungary, however, has repeatedly taken a different path.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has insisted that his country must make decisions that protect Hungarian families and businesses. For Hungary, this means keeping its energy deal with Russia active, as the country depends on affordable gas and oil to run its economy.
The latest announcement serves as a reminder that even inside NATO and the EU, countries sometimes follow different strategies. While some European governments want complete independence from Russian energy, Hungary continues to work closely with Moscow.
Russia, on the other hand, is using this relationship to show that it still has significant partners inside Europe, despite sanctions and political pressure. By highlighting the ongoing energy deal, Moscow is signalling that its influence in the region is not entirely diminished.
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The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Hungary remains willing to continue cooperation and that both sides see the energy deal as beneficial. He noted that Hungary has maintained a stable, predictable relationship even during a sensitive period marked by sanctions, conflict, and shifting political dynamics.
The announcement reflects how deeply connected the two countries remain through energy. As the Ukraine conflict continues to reshape Europe’s political landscape, the Russia-Hungary partnership stands out for its consistency and economic focus.