Orban Criticizes Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukraine is unable to "dictate" anything to EU countries. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged Ukraine to cease its “aggressive and hostile” behavior and to show “respect” towards Hungary and Slovakia, asserting that Kiev cannot dictate terms to European Union members.
During a press conference in Bratislava on Tuesday, following discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Orban criticized the Ukrainian government’s approach.
"The way people in Kiev are trying to build relations with Central European states is unacceptable. We are ready to respect them, but we demand respect for ourselves. And if we raise a serious issue, then they must discuss it with us,” Orban stated.
He emphasized, “There should be no confusion in positions. [The Ukrainian leaders] cannot behave as if Bratislava and Budapest should dance to their tune. This is impossible,” adding that Ukraine’s geopolitical challenges have left it in a weakened state.
Orban noted, “The Ukrainians have lost a fifth of their country and their industry is in ruins,” highlighting the inconsistency in Ukraine’s stance: “yet they act as if they can dictate to us.”
“If they remain aggressive and hostile, they will be left out in the cold. In the end, they will upset us and we will take countermeasures,” Orban warned.
Relations between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia have been tense, particularly as Orban and Fico have denied military support to Kiev and expressed criticism of Western sanctions against Russia, arguing that these measures are detrimental to the EU and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The bilateral relationship has also been complicated by a dispute over gas supplies, sparked by Ukraine’s decision not to renew the contract for transporting Russian natural gas to Central Europe. This is especially significant for Slovakia, which relies on Ukraine for up to 60% of its gas supply through an older pipeline. Fico has indicated that he may withhold financial assistance unless the transit agreement is extended.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a press conference in Bratislava on Tuesday, following discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Orban criticized the Ukrainian government’s approach.
"The way people in Kiev are trying to build relations with Central European states is unacceptable. We are ready to respect them, but we demand respect for ourselves. And if we raise a serious issue, then they must discuss it with us,” Orban stated.
He emphasized, “There should be no confusion in positions. [The Ukrainian leaders] cannot behave as if Bratislava and Budapest should dance to their tune. This is impossible,” adding that Ukraine’s geopolitical challenges have left it in a weakened state.
Orban noted, “The Ukrainians have lost a fifth of their country and their industry is in ruins,” highlighting the inconsistency in Ukraine’s stance: “yet they act as if they can dictate to us.”
“If they remain aggressive and hostile, they will be left out in the cold. In the end, they will upset us and we will take countermeasures,” Orban warned.
Relations between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia have been tense, particularly as Orban and Fico have denied military support to Kiev and expressed criticism of Western sanctions against Russia, arguing that these measures are detrimental to the EU and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The bilateral relationship has also been complicated by a dispute over gas supplies, sparked by Ukraine’s decision not to renew the contract for transporting Russian natural gas to Central Europe. This is especially significant for Slovakia, which relies on Ukraine for up to 60% of its gas supply through an older pipeline. Fico has indicated that he may withhold financial assistance unless the transit agreement is extended.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
