Tension at its height between Hungary and Ukraine! Viktor Orban threatens kyiv with reprisals after its decision to interrupt the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe. Hungarian leader calls for peace talks but warns patience has its limits…
Relations between Hungary and Ukraine are deteriorating day by day. In a resounding statement, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday castigated what he considers to be “hostile and aggressive” comments made by the Ukrainian authorities. At the heart of the discord: kyiv’s decision to interrupt the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe.
For Mr. Orban, a close ally of American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, this attitude is simply “unacceptable”. The nationalist leader did not mince his words, threatening Ukraine with “countermeasures” if the country does not reconsider its position. Comments made following an interview with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico, also known for his strong positions.
A bellicose rhetoric that worries
The tone adopted by Viktor Orban leaves little room for dialogue. According to him, if Ukraine persists in its “aggressiveness” and its “hostility”, it will only emerge as a “loser”. Rhetoric which echoes the return of Donald Trump to the White House, symbol for the Hungarian leader of a “dominant current” now “pro-peace” in the Western world.
But behind these calls for peace, Viktor Orban also brandishes the threat of reprisals. “We will end up getting angry and we will take countermeasures,” he warned, without however specifying the exact nature. A posture which raises fears of an escalation of tensions in a region already marked by deep divisions.
Ukraine’s NATO membership in question
Beyond the gas issue, it is also the question of Ukraine’s membership in NATO which is crystallizing tensions. For Mr. Orban, this perspective “will never benefit from unanimous support” within the alliance. He warns against a Russian reaction, Moscow having clearly indicated that it is ready to “contest” such membership “at the cost of war and military aggression”.
So the question is not whether we want to allow Ukraine to join NATO, but whether we want to go to war against Russia.
Viktor Orban
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A position shared by his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico. Also opposed to kyiv’s accession to the Atlantic Alliance, he sees it as “a great risk” likely to “lead to a third world war”. Two leaders who seem to have little regard for Ukrainian aspirations, in the name of a realpolitik favoring stability at all costs.
Between desire for dialogue and firmness
Despite his abrupt remarks, Viktor Orban says he is in favor of peace talks between kyiv and Moscow. A call for dialogue which, however, remains tinged with barely veiled threats. Hungary has also refused to send military aid to Ukraine, favoring an approach that it describes as “pro-peace”.
But this outstretched hand is also accompanied by great firmness. For the Hungarian leader, “everything must be done to establish peace”. And Ukraine’s accession to NATO is, according to him, synonymous with “war”. A simple equation but fraught with consequences, which places kyiv before a difficult choice.
An uncertain future for Hungarian-Ukrainian relations
Faced with this verbal escalation, the future of relations between Hungary and Ukraine seems more uncertain than ever. If kyiv does not review its position on gas transit, Budapest promises retaliation, the extent of which remains to be determined. A standoff that risks further weakening a region already under high tension.
In this context, the path to a peaceful resolution of the conflict seems narrow. Between energy imperatives, geopolitical issues and everyone’s ambitions, there is no shortage of points of friction. However, the two countries will have to find common ground, otherwise the situation will degenerate out of control.
Because beyond the resounding declarations and veiled threats, it is indeed the stability of an entire region that is at stake. A major challenge for European diplomacy, which will have to redouble its efforts to avoid conflagration and promote peace. dialogue. Against the backdrop of the shadow of a Russia that is watching closely, ready to take advantage of every flaw.
