Opposition condemns Russian attack, calls Orbán NATO’s unreliable ally – UPDATED

Hungary’s opposition parties on Thursday condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, expressing their support for Ukraine and the local ethnic Hungarian community.

Hungary knows from 1956 “what it is like when the Russians invade an independent state”, the united opposition said in a statement. “Now the same thing is happening before our eyes: Vladimir Putin’s Russia has attacked Ukraine.” The parties criticised Prime Minister Viktor Orban for “his refusal to condemn the war started by Russia” and the steps taken by Putin “even when the lives of Transcarpathia Hungarians are in danger”.

Péter Márki-Zay, prime ministerial candidate of the united opposition, said on Facebook that Hungary, as a member of the European Union and NATO, should

condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine. He said Orbán was an “unreliable ally” of the EU and NATO.

He called on Orban to join EU sanctions against Russia by suspending the authorisation of the Paks II project and expel with immediate effect the “Russian spy bank”.

Read also: War in Ukraine: Orbán expecting 600,000 refugees?

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz) has expressed its concern over Russia’s attack on Ukraine, adding it has begun preparations to help any potential refugees coming to Hungary. “We sympathise with the citizens of Ukraine, especially the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, and specifically our Jewish brothers and sisters there,” Mazsihisz said in a statement on Thursday.

The federation said it had begun making preparations to help any refugees from Ukraine that may come to Hungary.

Mazsihisz has reached out to the competent Hungarian authorities and international Jewish organisations, and is constantly monitoring the situation in Ukraine, it added. “We pray that the weapons are silenced and that peace is restored as soon as possible,” the statement said.

UPDATE (14.34)

The United Hungarian Jewish Community (EMIH) also expressed its support for the Jewish community in Ukraine. EMIH chief rabbi Slomó Köves has held consultations by phone with Meir Stambler, Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, and offered him the Hungarian Jewish community’s help, the organisation said in a statement.

Slomo has talked with Mendel Wilhelm, the rabbi of Uzhhorod (Ungvar) and promised him that members of the ethnic Hungarian community would get continued help from Hungary if necessary. Slomo has also offered financial support to Shmuel Azman, head of the Anatevka Jewish Refugees Community. EMIH has also offered help for rescuing Israeli citizens from Ukraine.