“The Hungarian government is declaring a state of emergency in the field of energy in order to protect Hungarian families and save energy, as in many other countries,” said Gerge Goias, head of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s office.

“In recent days, it has become clear that there is a high probability of losing enough gas in Europe to keep warm in autumn and winter,” the statement said.

And Hungarian authorities have previously urged the European Union to end its policy of sanctions against Russia and instead focus on a ceasefire and start negotiations.

Adviser to the Hungarian Prime Minister Balaj Orbán pointed out that “the more sanctions are imposed by the European Union, the more damage will be done to the entire bloc, and Europe will end up as the ‘losing party’ due to economic problems”, adding that “his country calls for Union stop this way”.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said: “We must drastically increase our defense capabilities,” stressing that “it is in Hungary’s interests that the war in neighboring Ukraine ends as soon as possible.”