Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is not aligning with most Western countries regarding Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine and is instead siding with the opposition. This was reported by ERR.
“I think Orban is speaking to his voters in Hungary in a way that is completely different from how we have agreed in Europe. Unfortunately, on this issue, Orban has indeed started to play for the opposing team,” Tsahkna said in an interview with Välisilm on ETV.
Tsahkna also addressed why the European Union, currently chaired by Hungary, has not taken action against Budapest.
“We can still do something. The procedure under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union has started, which would mean suspending a member state's voting rights. I don’t believe this will happen, as it would require the agreement of all 26 countries, but at least we want to create a situation in the near future where 21 countries can move forward in this process,” Tsahkna said.
According to the Estonian minister, Orban’s behavior “brings no benefit” and has managed to block several important decisions.
“For example, regarding the allocation of funds from the European Peace Facility. However, we were still able to find a solution and direct 1.5 billion from the income of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. But, of course, such statements with completely different rhetoric as allowed by Orban certainly do not make us stronger,” emphasized the head of Estonia’s foreign affairs.
Tsahkna also expressed support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operations in the Kursk region. He stressed that Estonia would like Western countries to lift all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons.
“Ukraine cannot fight with its hands tied behind its back and win this war,” said the Estonian minister.
Tsahkna predicted that various peace initiatives would be presented in the fall. He added that Estonia, along with Argentina, has taken on the responsibility to support the fifth point of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan, which concerns the principle of territorial integrity.
