Amid Relentless Russian Strikes, This European Nation Turns Angry at Ukraine- Here’s Why Tensions Are Rising

International News: Amidst the attacks from Russia, another European country has become angry with Ukraine. This country is Hungary, whose Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has publicly acknowledged the strained relations. He has said that the way Ukraine has treated the Hungarian people is the main reason for the tension between Budapest and Kyiv.

Between 100,000 and 150,000 Hungarians live in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region. According to a report by RT, over the past decade, Kiev has passed laws restricting the use of non-Ukrainian languages in education and public life. These have been sharply criticized by Budapest, and allegations of discrimination have been leveled.

This tension is much more than the conflict with Russia

In an interview with IIA Novosti, Szijjarto admitted that Budapest's tension with Ukraine is much greater than the conflict with Russia. He said that our bilateral relations with Ukraine are very bad; they have nothing to do with the war. According to Szijjarto, these relations started about ten years ago, when the Ukrainian government started violating the rights of national minorities. He expressed hope that one day there will be an administration in Ukraine that will not only respect the minorities but will also restore their rights.

Demand for EU sanctions on three Ukrainian officials

Hungarian officials had protested against the forced recruitment of Hungarians in the Ukrainian army. Recently, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had blamed the Ukrainian army for the death of Hungarian Joseph Sebastian. Ukraine had said that Sebastian's death was not due to any disease. He did not show any signs of violence, yet Hungary had requested the European Union to impose sanctions on three Ukrainian officials.

A Hungarian church was set on fire

A Hungarian church in Zakapata, Ukraine, was set on fire this year. This was strongly condemned by Hungary. Orban also opposed Ukraine's efforts to join NATO and the European Union. It was argued that this move risked a war with Russia. This is what happened, although Hungary opposed sending any kind of weapons to Ukraine. However, Ukraine has denied the allegations of discrimination.