403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were
looking for doesn't exist.
Hungarian FM says EU ‘stabbed its economy in the heart’ with Russia sanctions
(MENAFN) The European Union’s sanctions against Russia have severely harmed its own economy while failing to achieve their intended goals, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in an interview with RT on Saturday. He criticized the EU’s approach, arguing that each new round of restrictions has become increasingly "ridiculous" and "harmful."
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU has imposed 16 rounds of sanctions on Russia. Although Hungary has ultimately supported each package, it has negotiated exemptions, particularly in the oil and nuclear sectors. Both Budapest and Moscow—as well as many international analysts—have pointed out that these measures have backfired on the nations that imposed them.
"The EU has basically stabbed the European economy in the heart with these sanctions," Szijjarto stated.
He noted that instead of crippling Russia’s economy or bringing peace, the sanctions have weakened the EU’s competitiveness and isolated the bloc. Despite this failure, Brussels is preparing a 17th round of sanctions, which Szijjarto called "pointless" and purely ideological.
“We are three years after the first package. The Russian economy is far from being on its knees. And we are not closer to peace because of the sanctions,” he argued.
Szijjarto reaffirmed that Hungary will not support any future sanctions if they threaten its national interests. He also criticized the EU’s increasing militarization, particularly its continued arms shipments to Ukraine, warning that such actions prolong the war and heighten the risk of escalation.
"This pro-war sentiment of European leaders is really dangerous," he warned, calling for greater support for peace talks between Trump and Putin.
While the US and Russia are currently negotiating a ceasefire, Trump has hinted that sanctions could be used as leverage in the talks. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any idea that the restrictions are temporary, calling them part of a long-term Western strategy to pressure Russia.
Despite Western efforts, Russian officials have repeatedly stated that the sanctions have strengthened domestic industries and reduced reliance on Western technology rather than crippling the economy.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU has imposed 16 rounds of sanctions on Russia. Although Hungary has ultimately supported each package, it has negotiated exemptions, particularly in the oil and nuclear sectors. Both Budapest and Moscow—as well as many international analysts—have pointed out that these measures have backfired on the nations that imposed them.
"The EU has basically stabbed the European economy in the heart with these sanctions," Szijjarto stated.
He noted that instead of crippling Russia’s economy or bringing peace, the sanctions have weakened the EU’s competitiveness and isolated the bloc. Despite this failure, Brussels is preparing a 17th round of sanctions, which Szijjarto called "pointless" and purely ideological.
“We are three years after the first package. The Russian economy is far from being on its knees. And we are not closer to peace because of the sanctions,” he argued.
Szijjarto reaffirmed that Hungary will not support any future sanctions if they threaten its national interests. He also criticized the EU’s increasing militarization, particularly its continued arms shipments to Ukraine, warning that such actions prolong the war and heighten the risk of escalation.
"This pro-war sentiment of European leaders is really dangerous," he warned, calling for greater support for peace talks between Trump and Putin.
While the US and Russia are currently negotiating a ceasefire, Trump has hinted that sanctions could be used as leverage in the talks. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any idea that the restrictions are temporary, calling them part of a long-term Western strategy to pressure Russia.
Despite Western efforts, Russian officials have repeatedly stated that the sanctions have strengthened domestic industries and reduced reliance on Western technology rather than crippling the economy.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment