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Germany asked to “lead Europe” and persuade Hungary on Russia sanctions

Par :Yuri Zoria

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Germany to use its influence to persuade Hungary to support the European Union’s proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced that both Hungary and Slovakia have decided not to support the EU’s plan for the 18th round of sanctions against Russia. 

Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently acted as Russia’s closest ally within the EU since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country has never provided military aid to Kyiv, refuses to allow military cargo transit through its territory, and has regularly obstructed EU efforts to support Ukraine.

Kyiv urges Berlin to take leadership role

Speaking ahead of a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on 30 June, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for support of the latest sanctions proposal and stressed that European leaders are close to approving it. However, he acknowledged ongoing resistance from Hungary.

“We are grateful for the support of the 18th sanctions package against Russian aggression. I know that European leaders are very close to [approving] this package. I know there are still some misunderstandings with official Budapest,” Zelenskyy said, as reported by Ukrinform.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Germany, “as a European leader,” should take the initiative to engage Hungary diplomatically to help secure a united EU front.

Sanctions as a tool to pressure Russia

Zelenskyy underlined the strategic role of sanctions in holding Russia accountable. He stated that only strong economic measures can inflict real damage on the Russian economy and make Moscow feel the cost of its invasion of Ukraine.

“I believe it’s in the interest of all Europe that these packages against Russia’s aggression work — so that Russia feels the high cost of this war, and precisely through sanctions, its economy will suffer,” he stated.

Ukraine remains restrained toward Hungary

Despite Hungary’s opposition, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine continues to behave “very diplomatically, constructively” and constructively. He made clear that Kyiv has chosen not to retaliate against Budapest’s actions, prioritizing unity over conflict within the European bloc.

He added, “We would like to stay in a union of partners and friends. Ukraine always has something to respond with, but still, we are partners, and we have one enemy, and that is Russia.”

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