OUR Hungarythe “white sheep” of Europe, continues to undermine the unity of the EU, this time facing Germany with object Ukraine. The conflict was sparked by the role of the controversial Hungarian bank in the war in Ukraine, according to Politico. “Ukraine cannot win the war against Russia,” the Hungarian Prime Minister said. Viktor Orbandefending the start of negotiations with Moscow.

OTP Bank has been at the center of much debate in recent days as Hungary refuses to approve additional military aid to Ukraine until Kiev removes it from its “military donor” list, which lists services and businesses it believes are supporting Moscow and, therefore, are subject to sanctions. Diplomats say the OTP scandal is also delaying a new package of sanctions against Russia.

Budapest refuses to approve assistance to Kyiv and calls for OTP to be removed from the Western sanctions list.

When Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Sziartos reaffirmed Budapest’s stance against sending military aid to Ukraine during a closed-door meeting, his German counterpart, Analena Berbock, responded in a stern tone, according to diplomats who spoke to Politico on condition of anonymity. The same sources claim that Bourbock said that the ULP recognizes the illegally annexed Luhansk and Donetsk regions and approves credit cards and loans to Russian soldiers. The Hungarian minister denied the allegations, saying that the bank’s own management had previously rejected such accusations and publicly expressed support for Ukraine.

A number of diplomats and ministers also expressed their displeasure, urging Hungary to improve relations with Kiev as soon as possible and help the EU efforts. approve additional military assistance and sanctions.

Obstacles

Orban said yesterday that before his country accepts Sweden V NATO, the relationship between them “should be improved”. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Orban said that “our relationship with Sweden is very bad. They need to be improved first. We would not want to transmit tension within NATO.” Orban was in Qatar to continue negotiations between the two countries on bulk purchases that began last year. liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Budapest responds to Stockholm’s criticism of how democracy and the rule of law are implemented in Hungary. WITH Türkiye, which reacts to Sweden’s candidacy by accusing Stockholm of not fighting what Ankara calls Kurdish terrorism, Hungary has so far blocked Sweden’s membership, but allowing Finland’s membership. A date has not yet been set for the Hungarian parliament to vote on Sweden’s membership bid, and it must be ratified by all 30 existing members. NATO is holding a summit in July.