Whoever came up with the Brussels sanctions due to the war in Ukraine is Russia's best friend, as the European Union did not harm Russia with the measures, but itself, said Gergely Gulyás, the minister in charge of the Prime Minister's Office, to the Swiss weekly Weltwoche.
Weltwoche highlighted in the compilation published in the newspaper's Thursday issue about the conversation with Gergelly Gulyás that the European press and Brussels politicians are once again sharply criticizing Hungary, this time for its behavior in the Ukraine war, in connection with which the minister emphasized that Hungary is not Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Trojan horse".
Such accusations are "the worst kind of propaganda", underlined Gergely Gulyás, pointing out that Hungary condemns the Russian aggression against Ukraine as clearly as the other EU member states, and provided the "largest humanitarian aid" in its post-war history to Ukraine and Hungary. refugees for 1.2 million Ukrainians.
Within the framework of the EU, Hungary also supports Ukraine financially and also supports the EU sanctions against Russia. At the same time, it is obvious that the West cannot continue its current policy - the Fidesz politician explained, adding that the EU did not harm the Russians with the sanctions, but itself, especially in the energy sector.
"Russia earned twice as much this year as last year. We could also say that whoever invented these sanctions is Russia's best friend," said Gergely Gulyás, underlining that the West contributes to the financing of Russian aggression with the sanctions. He added that there is an urgent need to launch a "European debate" on what policy the EU should pursue in relation to the war in Ukraine. As he said, intelligent sanctions are needed "that harm Russia, not Europe".
He explained that Hungary pursues a more mediating and non-aggressive policy with Russia, the main reason for which is its dependence on Russian energy supplies. Hungary covers 90 percent of its natural gas and oil consumption from Russian imports, so "the Hungarian economy and society cannot function without Russian gas and oil this year and next." This also means that the Swiss, Austrian or German companies making large investments in Hungary would not be able to produce without Russian gas. "It is therefore in our primary interest to maintain relations with Russia in such a way that the inflow of energy continues, despite all condemnations and sanctions," said Gergely Gulyás.
In justifying the Hungarian government's position rejecting arms shipments to Ukraine, he pointed out that weapons could only be transported through the Carpathians, and that there would be a danger of a Russian attack in an area where the Hungarian minority lives in Ukraine. Thus, it is particularly important for "Hungarian interests to keep Transcarpathia out of the war" .
The Ukrainians are "fighting for their country" and "fighting a heroic struggle", which Hungary values very highly, but at the same time there is an even more important value that should not be forgotten, he added, emphasizing that "a war fought against a nuclear power entails a huge danger, not only Ukraine, but for the whole of Europe" .
Therefore, it is in everyone's interest that the ceasefire be established as quickly as possible - said Gergely Gulyás, underlining that Hungary is on the side of "immediate peace".
Source and title image: MTI/Zoltán Balogh
