Vance: Ukrainians Cause Suffering for the Hungarian People in Attempt to Influence Elections
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has accused Ukraine of shutting down the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary as a means to influence Hungarian elections, thereby inflicting suffering on the Hungarian populace. This statement was made during his visit to Hungary, as reported by European Pravda.
During a recent visit to Hungary, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed his belief that Ukraine has deliberately closed the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary to exert influence over the upcoming Hungarian elections, causing significant hardship for the Hungarian people. His comments were reported by European Pravda and cited by The Guardian.
At a public event, a moderator posed a question to Vance regarding his previous remarks suggesting that 'Ukrainian special services are attempting to influence' elections in both the United States and Hungary. In response, Vance referenced controversial statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had promised to provide the address of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Ukrainian military forces. Vance characterized Zelensky's comments as 'absolutely scandalous' and 'absurd.'
Vance further elaborated on what he perceives as foreign interference in Hungary's electoral process. He remarked, 'I have also been told that the arrival of the U.S. Vice President, who stated that Viktor Orbán is doing a good job and is a useful statesman for the cause of peace, is foreign influence. But what is not foreign interference is when the European Union threatens to withhold billions of dollars from Hungary because you are defending your borders; that is apparently not foreign interference. Foreign interference does not include Ukrainians shutting down pipelines, causing suffering to the Hungarian people in an attempt to influence elections, which supposedly is not foreign interference.'
Vance emphasized that the United States has never threatened Hungary by saying, 'If you do not vote for Viktor Orbán, you will not receive this or that.' He stated, 'We would never do that because we respect the Hungarian people enough to respect their sovereignty. The fact that so many foreign players, whether they are transnational organizations like bureaucrats in Brussels or foreign governments, are literally threatening the Hungarian people: 'Vote this way, or we will retaliate against you'—this should infuriate you.'
Reiterating his support for Orbán, Vance asserted that the defense of Hungary's sovereignty requires the Hungarian people to 'reject these operations of foreign influence, vote for whom they want to see as their leader, and dismiss the bureaucrats from Brussels.' He also pointed out that he arrived in Budapest because he finds the 'interference from Brussels' in Hungary's elections to be outrageous.
Vance's visit and statements come at a time of heightened tensions between Hungary and the European Union, particularly regarding issues of national sovereignty and immigration policy. The Hungarian government has faced criticism from EU officials for its stance on border protection and its handling of various political matters.
As Hungary approaches its elections, the political landscape remains charged, with various international influences at play. The comments from Vance reflect not only U.S. support for Orbán but also a broader narrative regarding the geopolitical dynamics in Central Europe.
In conclusion, Vance's remarks underscore the complexities of foreign influence in national elections and highlight the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination faced by Hungary amid external pressures.