Orbán accuses Zelenskyy and EU of using communist-style pressure
Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán compared his current "resistance to Ukraine's and Brussels' pressure" to the overthrow of communist rule in Hungary.
Hungary's premier posted a video with a statement that Budapest "will not back down" to pressure from Ukraine and Brussels.
"We overthrew communism. We fought for our freedom. We built a Christian, family-oriented, patriotic nation. And now Zelenskyy (Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – ed.) and the Brusselians think we will back down? Don't be ridiculous," Orbán said.
Hungary-Ukraine relations
The Hungarian prime minister builds his election campaign around efforts to portray Ukraine as an enemy. Despite the risks such actions pose to him, the pro-Russian premier has been steadily escalating tensions with Kyiv.
Anti-Ukrainian and anti-European propaganda has intensified in Hungary. There are reports that Orbán is backed by the Kremlin. In particular, Russian intelligence had proposed staging an assassination attempt on Orbán.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry sharply responded to a series of anti-Ukrainian steps by Hungary. Orbán was warned about the dangers posed by his actions.
Orbán and loan for Ukraine
Hungary continues to block an EU loan to Ukraine. Recently, Orbán said he would not lift the veto until Ukraine resumes the transit of Russian oil.
EU members are outraged by Orbán's behavior. For example, Sweden has already openly stated it is ready to consider invoking Article 7 of the EU Treaty, a mechanism that could strip Hungary of its voting rights.
In addition, European Council President António Costa called the Hungarian prime minister's behavior "unacceptable." However, despite the criticism, some have defended Orbán.
