Hungary Puts TurkStream Gas Pipeline Under Military Protection Amid Election
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ordered military protection for the entire TurkStream gas pipeline running through his country. The decision came after reports that explosives were found near the pipeline at the Serbian border.
Hungary will deploy soldiers to guard the TurkStream gas pipeline from the Serbian border all the way to Slovakia, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced after an emergency defense meeting.
The military protection covers the entire Hungarian section of the pipeline plus gas distribution stations along the route. The decision followed reports of explosives discovered near the pipeline at Hungary's border with Serbia.
The timing has raised eyebrows. Hungary holds elections this weekend, and polls show Orbán trailing his opponents. Critics accuse him of staging a "false flag" operation to create security fears that could help his campaign.
Órbán has been claiming since February that Ukraine plans to disrupt Hungary's energy system, though he has not provided evidence for these allegations. The TurkStream pipeline is a key route for Russian gas flowing into Europe through the Balkans.
Opposition leaders say the explosive claims are "designed to whip up further fear of military action against Hungary, for which Ukraine will no doubt be blamed."
This pipeline carries Russian gas through Hungary to Europe. Any disruption could affect energy supplies and prices. The timing before Hungary's election has sparked claims Orbán is creating fear to boost his campaign.
Hungary's election takes place this weekend. Watch for how security concerns affect voting results.
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