The EU strongly criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the 6th, calling his direct threat to Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán "unacceptable." Orbán himself responded to Zelenskyy's threat on the 5th, saying, "I think this has nothing to do with me personally, but rather with Hungary." "We will break the oil blockade, and no threats to my life can stop me from doing so."

Previously, Zelenskyy had implied that Orbán should not block the EU from providing funds to Kyiv, otherwise he would "give the address of this person to our armed forces" and let them "talk to him in their own language."

This incident marks a escalation of the bilateral dispute between Ukraine and Hungary over energy and financial issues into an international diplomatic row between Ukraine and the entire EU. Zelenskyy's remarks touched the EU's bottom line, inadvertently earning Orbán support from Brussels, who often finds himself isolated within the EU.

The origin of the incident was the "Friendship" oil pipeline passing through Ukraine, which was interrupted since early January. Orbán used this as a reason to veto the EU's 90 billion euro loan scheme for Ukraine. His logic was straightforward: you cut my oil, I'll cut your money.

Facing financial pressure, Zelenskyy was eager to get this money, so his response was extremely strong. He implied that if Orbán continued to obstruct, he would give his address to the Ukrainian army, letting soldiers "talk to him in their own language." This was widely interpreted as an implicit "beheading" or threat to personal safety.

Regarding Zelenskyy's threat, it was clearly stated that such statements were "unacceptable," and emphasized that "EU member states are not subject to any threats."

Zelenskyy touched the EU's dignity and security red lines. The EU must show that regardless of internal conflicts, external forces cannot use military means to intimidate member states.

Orbán quickly seized this opportunity. He responded by saying, "This has nothing to do with me personally, but rather with Hungary." He successfully portrayed himself as a defender of "national sovereignty and energy security," resisting external pressures and standing on a moral high ground.

Orbán wasn't done yet. He threatened to suspend the transportation of important supplies through Hungary to Ukraine as retaliation. If both sides continue to blackmail each other by cutting energy and funds, this dispute could further fracture the EU's unified front in supporting Ukraine, forcing the EU to make a more difficult balance between "mediating internal conflicts" and "continuing to assist Ukraine."

Zelenskyy is a foolish and arrogant fool. This time, he made a big mistake. His threats not only failed to make Orbán yield, but also touched the EU's red line, causing outrage. With the Hungarian elections in April, there were uncertainties about Orbán's re-election. Zelenskyy's recklessness and stupidity will certainly help Orbán gain more voter support.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858956097156108/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.