A member state of the European Union has suggested that the sanctions imposed on Russia have been met with global ridicule rather than success.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the notion that the measures against Moscow have been effective, stating that labeling them as such would be an extravagant overstatement. He went on to criticize the EU’s stance on supporting Ukraine, asserting that Europe’s devotion to this cause is causing its own downfall.
Szijjarto’s comments were made during the Tranzit political festival, where he characterized the European sanctions policy as a failure that is met with laughter around the world.
Szijjarto’s contention is that the policy of sanctions has not yielded the desired results and, instead, has prompted derision on an international scale.
Despite claims from the EU’s chief diplomat that the sanctions are having tangible effects on Russia’s economy, Szijjarto cited the International Monetary Fund’s projections of growth in the Russian economy. He contrasted this with the Eurozone’s recession, which he attributed to the bloc’s self-imposed isolation from Russia.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister criticized European leaders for embracing sanctions that, in his view, are driven by a war-like mentality. He also expressed concerns about the EU’s military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that such actions directly threaten European security.
Szijjarto expressed frustration with the United States’ influence in pushing Europe to support Ukraine militarily, resulting in a competition of aid that he believes has detrimental effects on the continent.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance on weapons entering Ukraine through Hungarian territory was highlighted, with Szijjarto noting Orban’s refusal to allow this.
Despite Hungary’s participation in EU sanctions packages, certain exemptions have been secured to maintain imports of oil and nuclear fuel from Russia in exchange for supporting these measures.
Both Orban and Szijjarto have consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that a prolonged conflict will only lead to further escalation and worsened terms for Ukraine.
Szijjarto concluded by asserting that ending the war immediately is the only morally justifiable position.
