Orban stated that in the war of Russia against Ukraine, it is “unclear” who attacked whom, Kyiv reminded of history

Exchange of statements between Sibiha and Orban heightens tension between Ukraine and Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban questioned who attacked whom in Russia’s war against Ukraine, to which Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha responded by recalling Hungary’s alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II.

During a discussion on providing a loan for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets, Orban stated that he considers the Western countries’ belief in the possibility of waging war without costs to be misleading. He added that even if the war ends, the costs will not be compensated by reparations from Russia. Orban noted that Western countries “comfortingly think about the moral rightness of their actions.”

In response to these statements, Sibiha remarked that the same “uncertainty” about the aggressor existed for Hungary in 1939, when Nazi Germany attacked Poland. In his message, the Deputy Minister recalled that Hungary then acted as an ally of the Third Reich.

For his part, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary would not allow itself to be drawn into the war, also raising the issue of gas and electricity supplies to Ukraine through Hungary.

The context for these events was the European Union’s decision to agree on an assistance package for Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros over two years, which does not include the use of frozen Russian assets. The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia decided not to participate in this aid. Recently, Orban has already addressed a letter to Vladimir Putin regarding Russia’s reaction to the possible use of its frozen assets.

Changing positions concerning the war in Ukraine and the use of Russian assets may affect the unity of EU member countries in their policy of supporting Ukraine. Analysts believe that such discrepancies could weaken coordination efforts but, on the other hand, stimulate diplomatic efforts to reach a unified view.