Pro-Moscow government silent while Hungarian opposition organizes Ukraine solidarity protest

While the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ parliamentary secretary, Péter Szijjártó, tries to discourage any further European Union sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the Együtt-PM liberal-green opposition party took to the streets of Budapest, in order to protest the second Russian invasion of Ukraine this year. Demonstrators marched to Russia’s embassy in the Hungarian capital and the protest included key opposition leaders, including Gergely Karácsony. Banners and signs bore the words “Ukraine is not a Colony,” and protesters noted that Hungarians could not be idle and allow for “the laws of the jungle to dominate Europe.”

“We demand that Russia withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine and we call on the Hungarian government to suspend preparations for the expansion of the Paks atomic plant, so long as Russian troops are stationed on Ukrainian soil. Viktor Orbán must finally give up his doublespeak and he must stand up for Ukrainian sovereignty–noted Együtt-PM activists in Budapest.

Some protesters decided to lie down on the pavement, as though they had been killed in the bloody conflict, with signs on their chest that read “Say no to the expansion of the Russian empire!” and “Say yes to freedom!”

Solidarity with Ukraine protest in Budapest on August 30th, 2014. Photo: Együtt-PM

Solidarity with Ukraine protest in Budapest on August 30th, 2014. Photo: Együtt-PM

Együtt-PM demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: Együtt-PM

Együtt-PM demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: Együtt-PM

Együtt's Nora Hajdú demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: C. Adam

Együtt’s Nora Hajdú demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: C. Adam

While the Hungarian opposition took to the streets, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was quoted as speaking against any further sanctions. “It is my opinion, that the politics of sanctions against Russia have not proven successful. Hungary’s interest is peace,” noted Mr. Orbán, adding that rather than sanctions and military intervention, he encourages dialogue with Mr. Putin.

Earlier this year. Mr. Orbán’s government received a 10 billion euro line of credit to expand the Paks atomic plant and ever since, the government has avoided any signs of solidarity with Ukraine.

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