Hungary responds to Ukraine President’s call to ‘choose sides’

RT (Russia) reported that Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on March 26 that “Hungary is on the side of Hungary”, responding to an earlier call by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Budapest needs to give up its hesitancy between Ukraine and Ukraine. two conflicting factions, Kiev and Moscow.

Mr Orban said that while his country could not be “indifferent” to the “Russian-Ukrainian war going on in the vicinity”, Hungary would take care of its own interests first and maintain its “position”. of Hungary”. He went on to emphasize that Budapest “wants to stay out of this war” but that does not stop it from helping “those in need”.

The statement came in response to Ukrainian leader Zelensky’s urging Prime Minister Orban to “pick sides” in the conflict. Addressing the leaders of the European Union (EU) via video link on March 25, the President of Ukraine thanked the support of the Baltic States, Poland, France and Germany, but noted that Hungary remained is refusing to take a stance. He urged Budapest “to decide for yourself whose side you are on”. Speaking directly to Prime Minister Orban, Zelensky asked if he knew “what’s going on in Mariupol,” a reference to Ukraine’s besieged southern port city, which has seen fierce fighting in the past year. recently.

Mr. Zelensky reiterated his demand that Ukraine’s application to join the European Union be considered expeditiously and again called on Hungary not to obstruct Kiev’s application.

Unlike other EU member states that border Ukraine, Hungary has so far refused to send weapons to Kiev or allow other countries to pass such shipments through its territory.

Prime Minister Orban argued that, with about 85% of its gas and more than 60% of its oil imported from Russia, angering Moscow would not be in Budapest’s best interests.

However, in his latest statement, the Hungarian Prime Minister stressed that “it is necessary to make it clear to the Russians that this war should not be pursued”, and warned Europe to avoid hurting themselves “more Russian”. He also called on Brussels to provide more funds to Hungary to handle the influx of Ukrainian refugees.