“Mythical threat and real manipulation”: Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry responds to Budapest’s anti-Ukrainian rhetoric
24 June 19:31
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has criticized the referendum on Ukraine’s European integration initiated by the government of Viktor Orban, calling it an attempt to manipulate and divert attention from internal failures, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“Hungarian officials are inventing non-existent threats from Ukraine in order to intimidate their own citizens,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on June 24.
The ministry emphasized that it respects the opinion of Hungarian citizens, even if it does not coincide with the Ukrainian position, but Budapest’s action has nothing to do with transparent and democratic standards.
“It’s hard not to see this campaign as a classic manipulation. Its goal is to distract Hungarians from economic problems and portray Ukraine as a fictional enemy,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ukraine is interested in constructive partnership with all EU member states, including Hungary. They emphasized that Ukraine’s full membership in the EU is not a threat, but a chance to strengthen the entire European space.
“Ukraine’s membership in the EU will mean more stability, security and economic opportunities. It will strengthen the EU in such areas as technology, logistics, digitalization, and green energy,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
According to the diplomats, if Budapest is really interested in influencing the integration process, it should support the opening of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, rather than organize political shows under the guise of “people’s will.”
