Tension between Poland and Hungary over Russia; Polish Dy. PM criticises

Warsaw/Budapest: Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński warned that until Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not change his stand regarding Russia, the relations between Poland and Hungary cannot become normal as before. Poland has adopted an aggressive stand against Russia following the attack on Ukraine. At the same time, Hungary has refrained from opposing Russia and has assured to continue with the fuel-related cooperation. Tensions have been created between the two countries due to their contrasting stands and indications are that the tension will continue.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński warned that Orban is avoiding taking a strong stand against the Russian attack on Ukraine. My stand is very negative regarding the Orban’s refusal to take a stand. Orban said that he did not see what happened in Bucha. I feel, in that case, he needs an eye specialist. Orban said after his victory that he desired good relations with Poland. This is possible only if he changes his stand. But if Orban does not change his stand, relations between Poland and Hungary cannot be the same as before.

A few days ago, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also targeted Hungary. Morawiecki warned that Hungary would always be with Russia and never sever relations with Russia. He also accused Hungary is the leader in opposing the imposition of sanctions against Russia. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Hungary and Poland were considered very friendly countries in the European Union. Both these countries had taken an aggressive stand against certain decisions of the European Union.

Meanwhile, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticised the European Union has become a department for handling economic affairs for NATO. Zakharova retorted, referring to the statements made by the foreign affairs chief and other officials from the European Union.