Viktor Orban, Hungarian PM, became the main beating boy for the European liberals, who suddenly converted to a realistic crowd with an uncompromising attitude towards Russian imperialism. Meanwhile, it is not Orban who is the most prominent opponent of EU sanctions on Russia.
The sanctions are opposed by such a large group of other EU countries that if we wanted to make it easier for our readers, we should say: "only Poland with three Baltic countries want the embargo on oil and gas from Russia." So far, Hungary has never once tried to veto wartime sanctions against Russia in the EU forum.
On the other hand, Germany continues to oppose boycotting fossil fuel imports from Russia - despite many voices indicating that the embargo would have more impact on the Russian economy than previous sanctions. The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany described Germany's refusal to introduce the embargo as "a knife stuck in the back of Ukraine."
"We believe that this position is morally untenable and will collapse, if not in the next few days, then in the next few weeks. The question is how many Ukrainian civilians will die during this time in rocket fire," Andriy Melnyk said in an interview on Wednesday for "Die Welt."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz this week opposed the suspension of oil and natural gas imports from Russia. Economy Minister Robert Habeck also spoke out against the embargo. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that Germany must consider the consequences of an energy boycott.
- Based on reporting by Niezalezna(.)pl
