Today at 17:21
Why do Hungarian and Slovak leaders side with what are essentially the enemies of Europe right now? Is there a hidden motive behind postponement of Rammstein meeting?
These and others questions were discussed with Ihor Popov an expert of the analytical center “United Ukraine” and an experienced politician
— Europe seems to be divided. Orban and Fico promote a Russian-Chinese narrative, while the leaders in Brussels maintain a firm pro-Ukrainian position. Why do Hungarian and Slovak leaders side with what are essentially the enemies of Europe right now?
— Well, for sure, the leaders of Slovakia and Hungary have their own views on many European issues, including values. Ukraine is just another topic that allows them to demonstrate their unique position. However, in Ukraine, the public is understandably offended by any proposals for a compromise with Russia or criticism of Western military and economic assistance.
Unfortunately, Hungary and Slovakia sometimes use their veto rights in EU votes, causing delays in Ukraine receiving such assistance.
— Yesterday, we saw an attempted attack on Viktor Orban by what’s being reported as an opposition politician in Hungary, showing rising tensions. Meanwhile, Mark Rutte, the new NATO Secretary General, has declared that Ukraine is facing its hardest winter of the war. Yet Orban continues to claim it’s impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield. Do you think this divide will grow, or is there hope for an agreement between Orban and Brussels?
— I don’t support violence in politics. Leaders have many other levers to push their arguments. Ukraine is facing significant military and energy challenges, and we need consolidation among our allies, with a clear understanding of the root causes of these problems. We need solutions to protect Ukrainian civilians from missile attacks and the destruction of our energy infrastructure.
— Winter is coming, and many hope that NATO will finally provide Ukraine with more air defense systems or shoot down Russian missiles and drones crossing NATO borders. Speaking of NATO, there’s talk that Ramstein meeting number 25, which was supposed to be symbolic and special, might be postponed. Joe Biden canceled his visit, and now Secretary Blinken has followed suit. Even Germany’s Chancellor Scholz has expressed concern. Do you think the meeting will be delayed, and is there a hidden motive behind this?
— We were expecting a very important meeting at Ramstein, with leaders from dozens of countries, along with foreign and defense ministers. This meeting was expected to address not only military supplies but also regional security in more depth. President Zelenskyy’s team had developed a Victory Plan for Ukraine, which was presented at the UN General Assembly, and we planned to introduce it to our allies at this Ramstein meeting.
Unfortunately, this week’s meeting has been postponed. However, I don’t believe there is a hidden agenda behind it. When I contacted colleagues in the U.S., they confirmed that the hurricane situation is serious, and American citizens would not understand if their leadership left the country in such a critical time. Without the presence of the American delegation, the meeting had to be postponed.
One interesting option is to organize a similar meeting next week, during the NATO Defense Ministers’ meeting in Brussels on October 17th and 18th. This could serve as an occasion to hold the Ramstein meeting as well and address regional security issues.
Read also: Why Fico and Orban Play in Hand with Putin? Interview with Maxym Yali
