The Ukrainian media has voiced criticism regarding a video published on the Hungarian government’s YouTube channel. The video showcases a map of Ukraine without the inclusion of the Crimean peninsula. Additionally, it advocates for an end to the war and emphasizes the importance of resolving the conflict through peaceful negotiations. However, Kiev has issued a warning, stating that peace talks with Moscow cannot be pursued while Russian forces are occupying Ukrainian territory and persisting with attacks.
According to the Russian-language edition of the BBC News website, the video features a voice declaring, “It is time for peace! Tens of thousands of children have become orphans, countless homes have been destroyed, and over ten million people have been displaced. However, the war persists and has the potential to escalate into a global conflict. Enough with war; only a ceasefire can bring an end to the devastation, and only peace talks can save lives.”
The video incorporates sirens, dramatic music, and distressing images of ruined cities, a moving tank, and individuals who have been mentally affected, further emphasizing its sense of urgency. Ukrainian media outlets highlight that the video fails to acknowledge that Russia initiated the war in Ukraine. Moreover, when a map briefly appears with Ukraine depicted in red, the Crimean peninsula is shaded in gray. Officially, the Hungarian government has not recognized Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which occurred in violation of international law in 2014.
However, Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian government has consistently called for the easing of sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia in response to its actions in the Ukrainian conflict. Furthermore, on Friday, Orbán expressed his support for preventing Ukraine from launching counter-offensives, a stance noted by both Ukrainian and Russian media, including Kommersant.
Source: https://www.lidovky.cz/
