The third president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, addressed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in an open letter, urging him to support Ukraine in its confrontation with the Russian Federation. He published a photo from their meeting in 1999 on social media and called on Orban to return to the values of freedom and dignity.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Call to Return to European Values
In the letter, Yushchenko emphasized that he once shared a common vision for the future of the region with Orban, believing in freedom and independence. Yushchenko highlighted that today Ukraine is defending not only its own state but also the entire European space, including Hungary. He stressed the necessity of adhering to European values rather than focusing on personal gain or political agreements with the aggressor.
“Viktor, look at this photo. We stand together at a time when the future of our region seemed common, clear, and bright. Back then, we both believed that freedom is not just a word, but the highest gift worth fighting for. I remember you differently. I remember a leader who understood the price of dignity and knew what liberation from imperial oppression meant,” Yushchenko wrote on Facebook, sharing the photo from their 1999 meeting.
Hungary’s Position on Ukraine and the EU
In the letter, Yushchenko noted that Orban’s actions in recent times have raised concerns. He reminded that politics is primarily about values, not just benefits or economic calculations. Yushchenko condemned Hungary’s choice to cooperate with Russia, which he believes is a betrayal not only of Ukraine but also of the democratic traditions of the Hungarian people.
Hungary, led by Viktor Orban, has repeatedly demonstrated a pro-Russian stance in recent years, including on issues related to support for Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, official Budapest has not supported the EU’s common policy towards Ukraine and opposes its accession to the European Union.
Recently, relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been complicated by accusations from the Hungarian government regarding delays in the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged due to Russian attacks. This pipeline supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. As a result, both countries are blocking the approval of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of substantial financial aid to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of oil transportation.
Additionally, this month, seven Ukrainian cash transporters were detained in Hungary while carrying significant amounts of cash and gold. Although they were later released, the transported valuables remain in Hungary. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an investigation, while the Ukrainian side described these actions as a manifestation of “state terrorism.”
Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in Hungary in April. Recent opinion polls indicate a slight advantage for the opposition over Orban’s party, although accurate predictions are currently unavailable. At the same time, international media reports suggest Russian interference in the electoral process in favor of Orban and his political force, Fidesz.