BRUSSELS — In one other impassioned speech to European Union leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine known as on Hungary to clarify whether or not it supported Russia or Ukraine within the rising battle over its neighbor.
The chief, who was patched in by way of video hyperlink from his embattled capital, spoke to the 27 European leaders on Thursday. The speech, a replica of which was launched Friday, got here quickly after President Biden left that assembly and was one more try by Mr. Zelensky to take care of momentum amongst his allies.
“Lithuania stands for us. Latvia stands for us. Estonia stands for us. Poland stands for us. France — Emmanuel, I actually imagine that you’ll stand for us,” he mentioned, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Germany … a bit of later,” he added.
However he stopped at Hungary, whose chief, Viktor Orban, faces an election subsequent month and has been caught between his obvious help for Western allies’ positions on sanctions and his shut hyperlinks to Russia and President Vladimir V. Putin.
“Hungary … I need to cease right here and be sincere. As soon as and for all. You must resolve for your self who you’re with,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned.
Then, he grew to become private. “Pay attention, Viktor, have you learnt what’s happening in Mariupol?” he mentioned, addressing Mr. Orban instantly and referencing the embattled japanese Ukrainian metropolis the place brutal Russian assaults have killed lots of and a blockade has pressured residents to flee or disguise, usually with out meals or water.
Hungary has resisted some sanctions, particularly towards Russian vitality, but it surely has not been alone. Germany and different international locations are resisting such a transfer on the grounds that it could harm European economies disproportionately.
In a video posted to social media on Friday morning, Mr. Orban rejected supporting sanctions on Russian vitality.
Given Hungary’s dependence on Russian vitality, the prime minister mentioned, “sanctions would imply Hungary’s economic system would rapidly decelerate and cease.”
“That is unacceptable. It’s opposite to the pursuits of Hungarians.” Mr. Orban mentioned.
Benjamin Novak contributed reporting.