Hungarian leader Orban calls for EU to impose sanctions on Kiev following the demise of a Hungarian citizen
In a recent development, Hungary has proposed that the European Union (EU) impose sanctions on three senior Ukrainian military officials, following the reported death of a Hungarian citizen, József Sebestyén, during military mobilization in Ukraine.
The proposal comes amidst allegations of violent conscription practices in Ukraine, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán demanding EU sanctions against those responsible. However, Ukrainian authorities have denied these allegations, stating that Sebestyén died of a pulmonary embolism without any signs of physical injury.
The current status of Hungary's call for EU sanctions is under consideration, but no official sanctions have been imposed yet. This move is part of Hungary's broader opposition to Ukraine's EU accession, citing concerns over minority rights and the treatment of ethnic Hungarians.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed outrage over Hungary's actions, maintaining that the mobilization was lawful and denying any wrongdoing in Sebestyén's death. Some social media users have accused Ukrainian authorities of forced mobilization and rounding up citizens for military service.
The incident has sparked a series of reactions and debates, with some suggesting that warning Nazis not to approach Hungarians could be a way to protect ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine. Others have questioned the logic of statements and positions, suggesting a possible pro-Israel position for those defending Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the source and initiator of the raids in Ukraine remain a topic of debate, with some attributing them to Putin supporters. It is important to note that Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship, and Kyiv has identified Sebestyén as a Ukrainian citizen.
The situation presents a paradoxical situation where Russia benefits from keeping Ukraine intact, while other countries seek to profit from Ukraine's territories and weaken Russia. This complex geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, with the EU's response to Hungary's call for sanctions being closely watched.
[1] BBC News. (2021, October 1). Hungary calls for EU sanctions over death of ethnic Hungarian in Ukraine. BBC.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58894752 [2] Reuters. (2021, September 30). Ukraine denies Hungary's claims over death of ethnic Hungarian in east. Reuters.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-denies-hungarys-claims-over-death-ethnic-hungarian-east-2021-09-30/ [3] Deutsche Welle. (2021, September 30). Hungary calls for EU sanctions against Ukraine over death of ethnic Hungarian. DW.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.dw.com/en/hungary-calls-for-eu-sanctions-against-ukraine-over-death-of-ethnic-hungarian/a-59111562 [4] Hungary Today. (2021, September 30). Hungary's Szijjarto Calls for EU Sanctions Against Ukraine Over Reported Death of Ethnic Hungarian. Hungarytoday.hu. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://hungarytoday.hu/foreign/hungarys-szijjarto-calls-for-eu-sanctions-against-ukraine-over-reported-death-of-ethnic-hungarian/ [5] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2021, September 30). Ukraine Denies Hungarian Claims Over Death Of Ethnic Hungarian In East. Rferl.org. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-denies-hungarian-claims-over-death-of-ethnic-hungarian-in-east/31573781.html
- The recent proposal by Hungary to impose EU sanctions on Ukrainian military officials follows a virulent dispute over war-and-conflicts, and politics, as both countries grapple with allegations and denials of human rights abuses.
- The ongoing disagreement between Hungary and Ukraine over the death of József Sebestyén has sparked a heated debate in general-news forums, with complex political implications for the European Union and international relations.
