Polish FM Sikorski criticises Hungary for defending Putin amid bombing of civilians

At Monday’s meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski once again labelled Hungary as Russia’s protector. 

As reported yesterday, following the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Hungarian minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Brussels had announced new pro-Ukrainian war initiatives. However, Hungary intends to block all new sanctions against Russia – details HERE.

According to Sikorski, the discussion stemmed from the latest wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. The Polish official emphasised that numerous EU countries support the introduction of new punitive measures against the Kremlin, noting that this would mark the 17th sanctions package since the outbreak of the conflict, according to PAP.

When asked about the likelihood of actually implementing this new round of sanctions, Sikorski pointed out that many of his counterparts had expressed support. However, he noted that one country—Hungary—remains reluctant. Sikorski highlighted this hesitation as a lack of moral clarity, implying that Hungary does not share the same sense of urgency or resolute stance on the situation in Ukraine that most other EU nations have demonstrated. He added that Russia’s recent bombardments—causing civilian casualties and targeting Ukrainian children—only serve to sharpen Europe’s moral resolve. Yet, he lamented, not every member state appears committed to the same principles.

Another plea to Hungary falls on deaf ears

Sikorski revealed that Poland had once again appealed to Hungary to lift its veto concerning the release of approximately €7 billion from the European Peace Facility (EPF). He also urged Budapest to support the opening of the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine’s EU accession. According to Sikorski, neither request gained any traction. He remarked that engaging with Hungary on such matters is akin to “throwing peas against a wall”, highlighting the mounting frustration among European leaders.

Under current arrangements, funds from the EPF are meant to reimburse EU member states for supplying military equipment or ammunition to Ukraine. These reimbursements require unanimous approval. Since Hungary has consistently blocked further tranches, many nations find themselves unable to fully recoup the costs of supporting Ukraine’s defence.

Prospects for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations

Commenting on the possibility of opening the first chapter of accession negotiations with Ukraine under Poland’s upcoming EU presidency, Sikorski said that this question should be directed to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

It is worth noting that, as previously reported, the Ukrainian parliament has deprived the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia of several of their nationality rights. The Hungarian government maintains that it has a legitimate claim to the restoration of these rights. Prime Minister Orbán’s government has stated it will continue to veto Ukraine’s EU accession unless these nationality rights—such as the right to use one’s mother tongue—are fully reinstated. Therefore, it is now up to Ukraine to determine whether it will restore rights that are fully recognised within the EU framework. Many critics argue, however, that even if these Hungarian demands were met, Budapest would likely still find a reason to block accession—just as it delayed Sweden’s accession to NATO without presenting a clear rationale.

Sikorski noted that Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, in coordination with him and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, has invited EU foreign ministers to a meeting in Lviv on 9 May. Sikorski praised the initiative as an excellent opportunity to underscore Europe’s support for Ukraine and its opposition to aligning with Moscow’s agenda.

He added that any representative of an EU member state—or even a candidate country—attending events in Moscow around that date would risk compromising their country’s reputation, implying it would weaken Europe’s united front against Russia’s aggressive actions.