Overview
- Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Turkey will guarantee the route for Russian gas deliveries to Hungary via TurkStream, with 7.5 billion cubic meters received so far this year.
- A new decree by President Vladimir Putin extends the option to pay for Russian gas in rubles through banks beyond Gazprombank until April 1, 2026, easing sanction‑related payment hurdles.
- Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó reported that Paks 2 construction preparations are ahead of plan, with the first concrete pour scheduled for February 5, 2026 and all required permits in place.
- Hungary maintains a 15‑year supply contract for 4.5 billion cubic meters annually and expects about 8 billion cubic meters in 2025, while calling Turkey a reliable transit partner and condemning recent attacks on pipelines and Black Sea tankers.
- The United States granted Hungary a one‑year waiver in November after Orbán’s meeting with President Donald Trump, as frictions with the EU and Ukraine continue following Druzhba pipeline stoppages and Budapest’s travel ban on a Ukrainian commander.