Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Responds to Hungarian Parliamentary Vote
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp rebuke of the Hungarian parliament's decision to reject support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and for funding its defense. The resolution, which passed with 142 votes in favor, 28 against, and 4 abstentions, states Hungary's opposition to Ukrainian EU membership on the grounds that the country is in a state of war. This vote is the latest in a series of diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Hungary often adopting a stance at odds with broader EU support for Kyiv.
In its commentary, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stressed that such actions send a signal primarily to the Hungarian national minority residing in Ukraine.
"We believe this vote to reject support for Ukraine's EU accession sends a signal first and foremost to the Hungarian national minority in Ukraine. Viktor Orbán is essentially slamming the EU's door in their faces," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry statement said.
Political Repercussions and Accusations
The ministry further accused the Hungarian parliament of actions aimed at holding the European Union hostage.
"Such steps are designed to keep the European Union hostage. They are in unison with the policy of the Russian Federation toward the EU, which is aimed at weakening and dividing a united Europe. The Hungarian parliament today surely earned applause—in Moscow," the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
Additionally, Ukraine's diplomatic service commented on the adoption of a government decree and a corresponding 'law' which, in their view, is intended to 'legalize' the seizure of funds from the state-owned Oschadbank of Ukraine.
"Taken with the same political intent is the adoption of a government decree and a corresponding 'law' designed to 'legalize' the seizure of funds from the state-owned Oschadbank of Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry noted.
It is worth noting that the head of the National Bank of Ukraine is Andriy Pyshnyi. The Hungarian parliament's resolution marks another step in the context of relations between Ukraine and Hungary, which have been experiencing considerable strain. As a member of both NATO and the EU, Hungary's position carries significant weight within the bloc and complicates the consensus often required for major decisions.