Tusk accuses Orban of siding with Putin, Szijjártó calls Tusk a Soros agent
Hungary and Poland are currently at odds over the issue of European sanctions against Russia, with harsh words being exchanged between the two countries’ leaders.
In response to a statement by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accusing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó defended his country’s position. Szijjártó emphasized that Hungary will not pay the price for other countries’ wars and will not allow its energy security to be jeopardized.
The tension between Hungary and Poland has escalated to a historic low, with Szijjártó labeling Tusk as a “Soros agent” in retaliation for the accusations against Orbán. This rift in the official Hungarian-Polish relationship highlights the growing divide between the two countries.
As the European Council prepares to meet to decide on the continuation of sanctions against Russia, Szijjártó reiterated Hungary’s stance of prioritizing its national interests. He emphasized the need for guarantees from Ukraine before committing to any actions that could impact Hungary’s energy security.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Orbán’s political director, Balázs Orbán, emphasized the importance of peace in Europe during a conference in Budapest. He stressed the need to end the conflict as soon as possible, citing the detrimental effects of prolonged wars on Europe.
Orbán proposed restoring communication, achieving a ceasefire, and engaging in active mediation as steps towards achieving peace, rather than relying on sanctions and threats. He highlighted the dangers of long-lasting interstate wars and the importance of initiating negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
The current discord between Hungary and Poland underscores the challenges facing Europe as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape in the midst of the ongoing war. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the relationship between these two countries and their respective leaders will evolve in the face of these disagreements.
