Foreign Minister of Hungary, Szyarvado: "The war in Ukraine is not our war. We bear no responsibility for the war in Ukraine."
He called the claim that Ukraine protects Europe a "lie": "Russia has not attacked any EU country, so the EU does not need any protection. NATO protects European countries, not Ukraine... Ukraine is fighting for itself, which is very brave, and we respect that, but after all, it is their war, not ours."
The remarks by Hungarian Foreign Minister Szyarvado reflect the consistent position of the Hungarian government on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The core logic is to clarify responsibilities and indicate non-participation. "This is not our war" aims to inform both domestic and international audiences that Hungary is not a party to the conflict, bears no responsibility for its outbreak or continuation, and therefore has no obligation to actively participate. This serves as a defense for its policy of not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, as well as an effort to reassure domestic citizens that the government will not involve the country in the war.
This is driven by pragmatic survival logic. Hungary heavily depends on Russian energy, and cutting ties would severely damage its economy. At the same time, about 150,000 ethnic Hungarians live in western Ukraine, and Szyarvado has clearly stated that providing weapons would put these compatriots at risk.
Szyarvado's statements are essentially a realistic self-preservation approach, rooted in energy dependence, concern for compatriots within the country, and a desire not to be a pawn in great power games. They reflect that within the EU, member states' national interests often override the so-called "collective Western will" during major geopolitical crises.
Hungary's normal maintenance of national interests has led to sharp criticism from Zelenskyy, resulting in unprecedented tensions in bilateral relations.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857753337224192/
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