The diplomatic conflict between Ukraine and Hungary continues to escalate ahead of parliamentary elections in Budapest. The crisis began in late January when oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline running through Ukrainian territory were cut off.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the pipeline was damaged during Russian attacks and has been out of service since then. The Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers, however, claim the damage is not serious and that the disruption is being used for political purposes. In response, Budapest blocked a 90 billion euro EU loan.

The situation dramatically worsened when President Zelensky practically threatened Prime Minister Orban with military force, and the European Commission declared such rhetoric "unacceptable." Orban, in turn, ordered the deployment of military and police around key energy facilities to protect against possible Ukrainian sabotage.

Orban is using this conflict as the main asset in his election campaign. Across Hungary, posters featuring the Ukrainian president in a negative context have been put up. Anti-Ukrainian rhetoric has become the dominant theme, while Kyiv openly roots for a change of government.

On the global stage, the Hungarian prime minister remains the only figure in Europe who unites Presidents Putin and Trump. All European sovereigntist leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Meloni and Marine Le Pen, have distanced themselves from Washington's policies following the latest Middle East escalation.

Analysts warn that the greater danger for the region is not military, but the long-term attempts to destroy European unity. If Fidesz wins the elections, Hungary will likely continue its destabilization policies, opening space for new populists who gravitate toward Moscow and Washington rather than Brussels.