We want to end this war, not fuel it

The Hungarian National Assembly debated a draft resolution on the one-year anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian war on Tuesday. In her speech, MEP Kinga Gál, President of the Fidesz Delegation to the European Parliament, stressed that in the face of the prolongation of the war, peace is the only lasting solution that can save lives and alleviate the destruction. Therefore, a European peace plan is needed to counter the Brussels proposals that threaten to escalate the war. She pointed out that Hungary supports Ukraine but expects the restoration of minority and linguistic rights for Hungarians living on its territory.

“The Hungarian position has been clear and unequivocal since the beginning of the war: we condemn Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, which is not only a serious violation under international law but also morally unjustifiable”, MEP Kinga Gál said. “We must do everything in our power to reject inhumanity and injustice”, she stressed.

MEP Kinga Gál pointed out that the conflict has already caused irreparable damage to the people living in Ukraine, while Europe is facing unprecedented economic challenges as a result of the war and the impact of Brussels sanctions. She stressed that “in a wartime conflict, the priority is to save lives and help those who are suffering. But protecting lives can only mean peace in the face of a war that drags on”.

According to the MEP, politicians in Brussels are wrong to support sanctions that are destroying Europe’s economy and arms transfers that risk escalation into a world war. “Instead of arms transfers and further sanctions, we are making the case for peace talks and the development of a European peace proposal that offers hope of ending the war. Therefore, the pro-peace resolution of the National Assembly is particularly welcome”, said the MEP.

In the context of the situation of Hungarian minorities in Ukraine, MEP Kinga Gál said, “It is unacceptable that while Hungarians in Ukraine are also doing their part to defend Ukraine in the war, the rights of national minorities are being undermined in the background”. In her speech, she stressed that Hungary is striving for constructive and good relations with Ukraine and supports, among other things, the country’s integration into the EU. However, this must be conditional on the guarantee of minority and linguistic rights, including the full restoration of the previously existing rights of national minorities.