Polish Prime Minister Condemns Slovak and Hungarian Ministers’ Meeting with Russian Counterpart on Day of Navalny’s Funeral
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers Monday for meeting with their Russian counterpart during a regional forum in Turkey.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk minced no words in condemning the actions of the foreign ministers of Slovakia and Hungary, who chose to engage in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the very day of Alexei Navalny’s funeral. Tusk’s disapproval wasn’t merely about etiquette; he underscored the moral and political implications of such a rendezvous. Speaking at a press conference in Lithuania, Tusk made it clear that the timing of the meeting was not just a matter of decorum but also raised serious questions of principle.
Polish Prime Minister Condemns Slovak and Hungarian Ministers
The meeting itself took place during a regional forum in Turkey, where Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar found themselves breaking bread with Lavrov. Szijjarto even went so far as to share the details of their dinner on his social media platforms, drawing ire from Tusk and others.
Tusk said that meeting Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey L on the same day that Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was buried in Moscow was “not just an expression of good or bad taste.”
“The issue of feasting on the day of Alexey Navalny’s funeral … is just another sign of the Hungarian government, which we find difficult to accept for moral and political reasons,” Tusk told a news conference.
Tusk’s criticism extended particularly towards Hungary, as he expressed profound difficulty in reconciling their position with the solemnity of Navalny’s funeral. He reiterated the importance of solidarity and cohesion among European nations, especially in the face of Russia’s aggressive actions.
Highlighting the divergent views within Central Europe, Tusk emphasized the unity of Poland and the Czech Republic in offering unwavering support to Ukraine, including advocating for arms deliveries. This stands in stark contrast to the perspectives of Hungary and Slovakia, underscoring the complex dynamics within the region.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who was present at the press conference with Tusk, echoed his sentiments, labeling the meeting with Lavrov as a regrettable choice. Simonyte’s words underscored the broader concern within Central Europe regarding the divisive issue of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
In summary, Tusk’s condemnation and the subsequent reactions highlighted the fissures within Central Europe concerning Russia’s actions, emphasizing the need for solidarity and a unified stance in the face of such challenges.
Central European countries are deeply divided over the Russian war against Ukraine and how to resolve the conflict. While Poland and the Czech Republic are united in staunch support for Ukraine, including arms deliveries, Hungary and Slovakia have sharply different views
