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There are some who want to force Hungary into the war, and they are not picky about the means with which to achieve that goal, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told the Swiss weekly Weltwoche, stressing that “Hungary’s leadership is strong enough to keep the war away from our country.”
In the issue of the magazine released on Thursday, in answer to the question about how Hungary is coping with the war in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said “we are most affected by the EU sanctions introduced against Russia” which have drastically increased the prices of oil and gas. Hungary has recently made enormous progress in the area of the development of its industry, and the energy that is necessary for its operation must be imported, Mr Orbán pointed out, adding that while in 2021 this cost the country EUR 7 billion, in 2022 this amount was EUR 17 billion. The Prime Minister said the war “is taking its toll on our soul, on our psyche.” “Ukraine is our neighbour where Hungarians live as well. They are conscripted and are dying by the hundreds on the front,” he said, highlighting that this war “is taking place not far from us,” and this is why everyone in Hungary wants peace.
“We are praying and have faith in the Lord that he will make the warring parties come to a realisation. There is continuous pressure on us. There are some who want to force us into the war, and they’re not picky about the means with which to achieve that goal. So far we have managed to resist. This is what gives me hope. Hungary’s political leadership is strong enough to keep our country away from the war. I’m saying this with due modesty, but with self-confidence at the same time,” Mr Orbán stated, also highlighting that he believes that Christian teachings are also valid in politics.
In answer to a question, the Prime Minister said the most important realisation of the war in Ukraine is that “Europe has retired from the debate.” “In the decisions adopted in Brussels, I recognise American interests more frequently than European ones,” he added, also pointing out that today in a war that is taking place in Europe “the Americans have the final word.”
