Turkey's energy diplomacy could persuade Hungary to support Ukraine
Hungary and Turkey are stepping up strategic cooperation, which could significantly change the energy balance in the region and reduce Russia's influence on Budapest. Amid criticism from the EU and Ukraine over Hungary's deep dependence on Russian oil and gas, Ankara is offering a secure route for Caspian gas supplies, free from Moscow's political pressure. This is reported by The Public with reference to Turkiyetoday.
Hungary is looking for a way out of Russian energy dependence
After the full-scale invasion of Russia, Budapest and Bratislava paid the Kremlin almost $6 billion in taxes for Russian oil imports. The share of Russian oil in the Hungarian balance sheet has increased from 61 per cent to 86 per cent, and Slovakia is virtually completely dependent on supplies from Russia.
CSD and CREA analysts remind that this is not a technical necessity, but a political choice. Alternatives exist, such as the Adria pipeline from Croatia and routes through Turkey, which is able to provide stable Caspian gas without corruption and political risks.
Ankara and Baku are ready to help without demanding political loyalty
Turkey positions itself as a bridge between Hungarians and the Turkic world, offering infrastructure and a neutral corridor for energy supplies. Active cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, as well as joint energy projects in the Caspian region, are proof of this.
Hungary has observer status in the Organisation of Turkic States and hosted an informal summit this year, demonstrating its desire to strengthen ties with the region. Prime Minister Viktor Orban sees the Turkic direction as a way to reduce vulnerability and strengthen his position ahead of the 2026 elections.
Central Asia is forming a new energy alliance
In August 2025, the leaders of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan created a new format of cooperation to develop energy, logistics and transport within the framework of the updated Silk Road concept. Such an alliance could have an impact on the entire European energy market, especially through the Trans-Caspian corridor.
In parallel, Turkey and Kazakhstan have signed more than 20 bilateral agreements in the fields of energy, transport and artificial intelligence, which underscores Ankara's ambitions to strengthen its influence in the region.
Why it is important for Ukraine
The less Russian gas and oil Hungary buys, the weaker the Kremlin's leverage in the EU. And the weaker Moscow's influence on Hungary, the harder it is for Orban to block decisions necessary for Ukraine in Brussels.
Turkey offers Budapest an economically viable and politically safe way out of dependence. If the new energy partnership between the OTU and the Caspian states succeeds, Hungary could transform from a Russian energy dependent player into a key transit hub for the EU.
