Hungary's stance on Russian threat sparks domestic outrage

Balazs Orban's words (he is not related to Viktor Orban) were spoken in a podcast for the pro-government weekly "Mandiner". The head of the political cabinet of the Hungarian Prime Minister was asked about Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022.

- We probably would not have done what President Zelensky did two and a half years ago because it is irresponsible - stated Balazs Orban.

The politician deemed Zelensky's decision to defend the country "irresponsible." According to him, it was Ukraine's sovereign decision, but "we would not have recommended it because of what happened in '56."

In November 1956, Soviet troops violently suppressed the uprising in Hungary, whose participants demanded the restoration of freedom of speech and other civil liberties, and full independence from the USSR.

The Budapest government argues its distanced position regarding aid to Ukraine, among other things, by citing the West's lack of support during the 1956 revolution. It also points out that it does not want to get involved in the rivalry of great powers, as Hungary has always fared poorly in such situations.

"The (Viktor Orban) government would hand Hungary over to the Russians without a fight" - wrote opposition leader and former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany on Facebook on Thursday.

Balazs Orban "humiliated the memory of thousands of Hungarian freedom fighters, hundreds of whom - in contrast to him - were ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom and independence of their country," - commented Peter Magyar, leader of the strongest opposition party in Hungary.

- Hungary's position is clear: we see no sense in the Ukrainian-Russian war - responded the Prime Minister's advisor to the criticism, claiming that Ukraine has suffered enormous human and material losses "for nothing."