Zelenskyy urges Germany to pressure Hungary over Russia sanctions
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
European leaders are already close to adopting the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. That’s why unity in pressuring Russia is crucial, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Johann Wadephul, head of Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that there are still certain misunderstandings regarding sanctions against Russia from the official Budapest.
The President said that Ukraine was grateful for the support of the 18th sanctions package against Russian aggression. He noted that European leaders were very close to approving the package, although there were still some misunderstandings with the official Budapest.
The head of state emphasized that Ukraine was appealing to Germany as a strong nation and a leader of Europe to engage in dialogue with Hungary. He stressed that it was in the interest of all of Europe for the sanctions packages against Russian aggression to be effective and for Russia to feel the high cost of the war.
He also stressed that it is precisely through sanctions that the Russian economy is being hit, which in turn reduces funding for the Kremlin’s war machine.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine acts diplomatically and constructively, avoiding escalation in response to Budapest’s actions. At the same time, he emphasized that allied relations between European states must be preserved despite disagreements, because the main enemy for everyone remains Russia.
The President concluded that Ukraine always has a response, but the country views itself as a partner, and that there is a common enemy - Russia.
Hungary–Ukraine conflict
Hungary has consistently opposed Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO. In addition, Budapest does not support providing EU financial aid to Kyiv.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to the Hungarian outlet Válasz Online, which drew a negative reaction from Hungarian officials.
In the interview, Zelenskyy stated that Viktor Orbán’s government was interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs and using the war for political purposes ahead of elections.
Earlier, it was reported that the European Union failed to adopt the 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to a veto from Slovakia. This package was aimed at targeting Moscow’s energy revenues, banks, and military industry.
