Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that severing ties with Russian oil and gas would immediately cripple Hungary’s economy, stating it would “drop by 4% within a minute” and leave the country “on its knees.”

Orban made the remarks during a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing Budapest’s resistance to pressure from Brussels and Washington to end reliance on Russian energy. He cited geographic and infrastructural challenges, along with national security concerns, as key reasons for maintaining ties.

“The Hungarian economy would be on its knees,” Orban said in an interview, highlighting the abrupt economic impact of cutting Russian supplies. When asked if Trump accepted his arguments, Orban noted that while the U.S. has its own priorities, Hungary must “express and represent” its interests clearly.

Trump acknowledged Orban’s concerns during a White House press briefing, calling him a “great guy” and “a great friend.” He referenced the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russia’s oil to Hungary and Slovakia, and criticized attempts to blame Hungary for disruptions caused by attacks on the infrastructure.

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated the government’s refusal to abandon national interests under external pressure. He condemned European Union officials for failing to address energy security risks following recent attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, calling their response a “scandal.”