Hungary’s Foreign Minister Orbán Anita condemned a Russian attack on Kramatorsk that killed at least 33 civilians, while Russia expelled Hungarian diplomats in a diplomatic row over Kyiv’s expulsion of Russian envoys, as Ukraine reported intensified Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Orbán Anita condemned a Russian strike on Kramatorsk, Ukraine, which killed at least 33 civilians, calling for an end to attacks on civilians and urging Russia to cease ruthless and deliberate
attacks. The statement came as Russia expelled Hungarian diplomats in a reciprocal move after Hungary had earlier expelled 10 Russian envoys, according to a Demokrata report. The incident highlights escalating tensions between Hungary and Russia amid the broader Ukraine conflict.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar, meanwhile, called for EU compensation for countries phasing out Russian energy supplies, stating that Central European companies face bankruptcy due to rising energy costs, as reported by TASS.
Hungary Condemns Russian Strike, Expels Diplomats
Russia retaliated against Hungary’s diplomatic measures, expelling Hungarian envoys in a move described as unjustified and unfriendly
by Budapest. The Demokrata report noted that Moscow’s action followed Hungary’s September 8 decision to expel 10 Russian diplomats, citing unacceptable activities under the Vienna Convention. Hungary’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance, stating it did not seek diplomatic escalation but would maintain its previously made, national security-based decision.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s government faces pressure to align with EU energy policies, as TASS reported that previous government estimates under Viktor Orban indicated Hungary imported over 8.5 million tons of oil and more than 7 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia in 2025.
Ukraine’s Energy Grid Targeted in Severe Attack
Ukraine’s energy grid faced a severe assault on September 30, with Russia deploying advanced drones and ballistic missiles to target power infrastructure, according to Novekedés. The attack, described as the most severe complex attack on Ukraine’s energy network since the latest heating season, caused widespread blackouts in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and Chernihiv and Zhytomyr provinces. The strike involved a new drone with a 40 kg main charge and four additional destructive modules, designed to destroy high-voltage power lines and steel bridge structures, marking a shift in Russia’s military tactics.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Lifting Attack Restrictions
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenszkij accused Russia of lifting all restrictions on attacks, citing intercepted communications that revealed Putin’s order to abandon “war rules.” IN reported that Zelenskyy described the October 1 attack on a Kyiv school as evidence of Russia’s complete disregard for civilian life. Meanwhile, the UK announced an aid package for Ukraine, including funds for energy infrastructure and humanitarian support, as detailed in Index. The UK also imposed new sanctions on Russian entities, targeting oil companies and a “shadow fleet” circumventing Western restrictions. Hungary, however, has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, instead focusing on eliminating Hungary’s dependence on Russian fuel by 2035, as outlined in TASS.
Despite the fighting, Hungary’s government has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, instead focusing on eliminating Hungary’s dependence on Russian fuel by 2035, as outlined in TASS. Additionally, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Orbán Anita emphasized that Ukraine must take concrete steps to protect the rights of the Carpathian Hungarians to gain Hungarian support for its EU accession, according to 24.hu.
Without concrete actions to safeguard the rights of the Carpathian Hungarians, Hungary cannot support Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions,
said Orbán Anita, according to 24.hu.
Ahmed Ibrahim World Editor