JD Vance criticizes Zelenskyys comments on Hungarian Prime Minister Orban

US Vice President Visits Hungary Amid Election Campaign

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s remarks about Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy were described as “completely scandalous” by US Vice President JD Vance during a visit to Budapest on Wednesday. The comments, made in an effort to sway the upcoming election, have taken center stage in Hungary’s strained relations with Ukraine.

According to Orban, Zelenskyy had threatened him and implied that he could provide the address of those responsible for damaging the Druzhba pipeline, which has been blocked by Budapest. Vance stated that this was unacceptable behavior from a foreign head of government towards an allied nation.

Vance also criticized the media’s coverage of alleged foreign interference in elections, citing the 2016 US presidential election and the Hungarian vote as examples. He argued that foreign influence is not limited to external actors buying advertisements on social media platforms, but also includes actions taken by EU member states like Hungary.

The European Union has been involved in a long-running dispute with Budapest over issues such as judicial independence and migrant treatment. Vance had previously expressed concerns about EU meddling in the Hungarian vote, prompting a response from the European Commission.

Brussels has stated that it will use diplomatic channels to convey its concerns to US counterparts following Vance’s comments. The upcoming election in Hungary is set to take place on April 12.

Source: Al Jazeera