Is Hungary Russia's Trojan horse inside NATO? | Conflict Zone

The war in Ukraine may have strengthened Western alliances in Europe - but not in all cases. The big outlier seems to be Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Orban has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine, unlike many other EU countries, and has been critical of EU sanctions on Moscow.
The prime minister also stressed in the past that Russian President Putin had made Russia great again, a comment that his close advisor Zoltan Kovacs defended in this week's DW Conflict Zone.
"The words of the prime minister are exactly true. This is what we see today. Russia regained strength," said Kovacs, who is Hungary's Secretary of State for International Communication.
Kovacs, however, explained "Hungary was among the first to condemn the aggression" and said peace talks are "the only way out of the conflict."
Watch the interview and let us know what you think below, or join us on Twitter - / dw_conflictzone
Conflict Zone is Deutsche Welle's top political interview. Every week, our hosts Tim Sebastian and Sarah Kelly are face to face with global decision-makers, seeking straight answers to straight questions, putting the spotlight on controversial issues and calling the powerful to account.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Hungary, the EU's biggest outlier?
01:15 Is Hungary Russia's Trojan horse inside NATO?
06:00 Sanctions 'are not calming tensions'
12:14 Did Putin make Russia great again?
13:55 Is Hungary doing favors for the Kremlin?
16:47 Sweden and Finland's NATO accession?
18:00 Hungary and the EU at odds over rule of law
20:30 Human rights in Hungary
23:48 Does Hungary want Zelensky to win the war?
#Orban #Hungary #Putin

[@harrywally1652]

If Hungary is so occupied with it's own self interest how can it be a part of any alliance ?

[@laszlozoltan5021]

it just wants the gravy but doesnt want to pay the bill

[@Annubys1]

Name a country that doesn't hold it's own self interest in first place. All countries do what they think it's best for their own people and negotiate terms in an alliance. That's how the world works.

[@TheBlackIdentety]

@@Annubys1 Orban holds his own self interests first. The Hungarian people are suffering under a Russian-like corrupt mafia state. Free news media is almost non-existent. Orbans party has bought up the opposition TV channels save for one. He has stolen tens of billions of euros from the EU funds and from the countries own tax payer money over his 12+ year rule. He has broken down democratic institutions and has taken control of the court. Hungary is no longer a democracy. I'm sick and tired of hearing how much of a great statesman Orban is foreigners. He's nothing but Putler's dog with dictatorial aspirations. Before you ask than why does he keep winning with 2/3, it's because he has changed the voting system in his first 2/3 majority tenure (2010-2014) to favor his party.

[@publikjuli]

EU + US +Canada +UK "leaders" have the interest to drag everybody into their swamp. So now they sing the same song. They think can overwrite physics and reality. Huge crash is coming.

[@zerog4879]

@Siddharth Not everybody can keep fighting wars like US, they go from one war to another. Not every country is a continent size country that has energy security, food security, everybody needs to participate in world economy and look after their own interests.

[@wda_digital]

To me, an outsider from Africa it sounds and looks like Hungary is really more on the side of Russia. He indirectly asked to stop the sanctions against Russia.

[@MarincaGheorghe]

I would say he quite directly said that. HU leader is the same autocratic wanna be as Putin.

[@ABunnyorABun]

Hungary is not sided with Russia. Use your senses!

[@laszlozoltan5021]

@@ABunnyorABun my senses says you are a liar

[@ABunnyorABun]

@@laszlozoltan5021 you and usa are sore loser just saying

[@Rod732]

*directly

[@SWATOPR8R1]

I think I understand this guy. "we have excuses", "because of reasons", "despite not doing our part we demand NATO protection" "not your business", "we want EU money".

[@csat1078]

@Mystery Rosebud wrong.

[@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917]

@@mysteryrosebud5914 They've always been gangsters including when Orban entered Hungary into NATO, took part in the bombings of Yugoslavia and Libya, and supported the "war on terror." No one in the West gave a damn until Orban started cozying up to Putin.

[@jonathanstein5049]

Orban must be very uncomfortable sitting on top of a pointed fence....loving autocratic Putin while loving EU money and aid to keep his ailing economy going.

[@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917]

@@jonathanstein5049 Hungary’s provides the largest source of cheap labor to Germany, the EU chief. Orban is hardly the one sitting on a pointed fence.

[@sebioprah5949]

@@BolshevikCarpetbagger1917 the largest provider of cheap labour is Romania , check your facts straight

[@collinfraser1218]

With friends like this guy, who should be concerned about enemies ! 🙏🇨🇦🇺🇦

[@cameron6770]

It feels to me like Hungary is very happy to reap the benefits of EU and NATO membership without wanting to make more than a token effort. Of course they're entitled to have their own opinions and values and to make their own decisions, but the Hungarian spokesman wasn't really able to answer any of the points rationally; rather he seemed to resort to rhetoric and indignation, without ever actually saying anything.

[@twentyonegrams8617]

Agree, there are millions of wonderful Hungarian citizens, however the Orban administration is completely incompatible with NATO and the EU. Let them rely on Russia for their "economic and national security". Lol.

[@sergeybebenin]

They are hypocrites. On one side they blabber about Ukraine "not treating Hungarians properly" in Ukraine. On the other hand they don't want to defend those same Hungarians by supporting them as the rest of the EU.

[@StArShIpEnTeRpRiSe]

No, it's more like, the Hungarian government (Who desroyed the hungarian constitution in 2011 and changed the election law, so they win with a % where Le Pen lost) are happy to steal the money from Hungarians, and blame it on the EU and the War. That's all nothing more. Hungarians has no chance to remove a dictatorship supported by EU, because EU accept them as a "democraticly elected" government of Hungary. And some EU member (namely Germany) benefit from it, because they put some factories here, where workers get payment in Forint instead of Euro. And their paiment lower then the average EU minimal and even cheaper as Forint became weaker compaired to Euro by every day. If you call this person a "Hungarian spokesman" then Le Pen is the rightfull French president.

[@drtoxiccookie]

🤔 So when Hungary gets attacked in future I vote we leave them to defend them self's

[@suportbghelp4938]

@@StArShIpEnTeRpRiSe Then what to saying for Bulgaria, when our electing activitie is under 40%(even was 29% at first, but magically up to 39% in next few days), we totally lose trust in our fraud elections.But EU still give full support for our politicians, because they are their puppets.

[@matkany]

As Hungarian I'm deeply ashamed for my government and fellow Hungarians who voted for them.

[@tamasgyorffy1]

fully share the feeling with you!

[@jerrysamson9168]

What Hungarian do love it. don't allowed western agended to deceive you..

[@trancemuter]

me too!

[@antisnowflake8618]

Te vagy a szégyen 🤮

[@jeffperteet2327]

Conservatism hijacked through the race and abortion doorway, welcome to Hungary

[@NealX_Gaming]

Excellent questioning by the interviewer. You almost never hear American news outlets grill politicians that well.

[@josimpson7999]

Agreed! Tim Sebastian knows his stuff and he doesn’t let slippery characters like this joker off the hook easily.

[@milanz6650]

You also never hear Tim Sebastian grill British or German politicians this well.

[@svenasmussen8745]

I means its also kind of a low hanging fruit when a government does so many bad things like hungary. Its not that hard to ask critical questions when the one you are questioning does a lot of questionable stuff

[@me5774]

@@josimpson7999 Unfortunately you do not know what you should to make that report.

[@josimpson7999]

@@me5774 Well how would you know?

[@rapier12r63]

The interviewee kept his cool so well, and was outstanding in his temperament and explanation of his countries' position. Bravo, Sir.

[@oszinteorult]

Fun fact: above his left shoulder a copy of "Népszabadság" (~ Freedom of the People) is hanging on the wall in frames. The headline on the front page says "Freedom of the press ceased to exist in Hungary". Népszabadság was the top moderate left-wing newspaper, with a readership surpassing that of the combined right wing papers. In October 2016, after publishing some damning reports on ministers of Orbán's cabinet (including Orbán's current right hand man, Antal Rogán), it was completely closed down, out of the blue. It later transpired that the Austrian businessman, Heinrich Pecina, who bought the newspaper in June 2016, acted as Orbán's stooge/frontman, and the whole operation was designed in order to permanently close down one of the main opposition media outlets. A few weeks later Orbán's childhood buddy, and the country's by now richest man, Lőrinc Mészáros (a man with the charisma of a puddle and the IQ of a poodle) has bought the media holdings of Pecina paying well over market value. Zoltán Kovács is also the chief editor of "Hungarian Hunter" - the national hunting magazine, and a hobby hunter (you can google him posing in funny hats, he looks ridiculous, well worth it). Make no mistake, when he puts out a copy of Népszabadság proclaiming the end of the freedom of the press, it is the trophy of a most prized culled victim. That's how you should measure every word he says. With all due respect...

[@JohnDoe-vy5hh]

Thank you.

[@krisztianolah2320]

Very insightful, thanks.

[@The_Magellan]

Óriási 👍

[@markbujdos584]

"moderate left-wing" is an oxymoron.

[@jacklegrand9983]

Thanks

[@davidrink1291]

This guy resorting to whataboutisms says it all. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are also very small countries but they didn’t bow down to Putin.

[@Puleczech]

Exactly this!

[@user-mr1um1cg5v]

The Baltics states are the biggest supplies of arms and equipment to Ukraine in the World, even bigger than the US in proportion to their GDPs. These guys are heros - they gave Ukraine everything they could down to the last artillery shell. I don’t know it they have enough to defend themselves - their tiny countries with about 2 million people each and rely only on NATO now.

[@ThePandafriend]

Good that I was not the interviewer. I'd probably have asked why he's talking like someone employed by the Kremlin and that he isn't talking much smarter than all these Kremlin trolls.

[@madmadagascar]

I am an Estonian and seeing how our country and the other 2 baltic nations support ukraine has made me so proud. 🇺🇦

[@Puleczech]

@@madmadagascar Thank you for your support!

[@adams7738]

I’ve left Hungary in 2010 and thought there is no way deeper down. How wrong I was!

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Hungary doesn't wish to become a pawn of neither Nato nor Russia . They are fence sitting hoping the mad dog of Russia respects the fence .

[@kadic6305]

You didn't know that you was dealing with mentally sick, and still you are dealing with it

[@pooddescrewch8718]

You cannot negotiate with a lion with your head in its mouth ! - Sir Winston Churchill

[@pooddescrewch8718]

@@kadic6305 What ?

[@glondikeink2167]

@@pooddescrewch8718Russian politics is cancer, not a lion!

[@almareyes6250]

True it is that if Ukraine was just left alone to negotiate with Russia maybe the war would not have happened like now.We wish other EU countries and especially U.S. think the way Hungary does. According to Feffry Sachs instead of diplomacy they use weaponry.

[@fawk501]

I hear Hungary's point, but I question when you can't even let transport flow to help your allies. Hungary doesn't sound like a country anyone can count on.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

a wise man avoids stepping on the rusty step

[@danielxu9]

I like Hungary 🇭🇺 better than pathetic German 🇩🇪 who no longer has sovereignty. 😆

[@jacky9590]

Hungary allows transport through its territory, just not directly to Ukrain, but indirectly.

[@andraskleistenes8586]

Hungary is not equal to Orban is his regime! We do not support his policy !

[@godkingnaoki]

@@andraskleistenes8586 You just had elections in April, your country does support him and his policies, if your country cared more about Ukraine, you'd have voted him out. Your elections were after the war started.

[@Isinlor]

I thought about Hungary as a country similar to Poland - flawed, but with some principles. But no, Hungary is just opportunistic spinless country. Oh well...

[@alexandra9944]

Oh yea for sure. Just look at their history.

[@attilamarics3374]

How is it spineless to stand for the Hungarian people and not for some NATO, Eu and US goals? The Hungarian leadership needs to have only one goal. What best for Hungarians. I cant see any positive effects of supporting Ukraine.

[@wamingo]

​@@attilamarics3374 You need to think more than 1 step ahead here. If the UN permits Russia's imperial ambitions, then the genie is out of the bottle. It will green light China to take Taiwan. Serbia to retake Kosovo. African conflicts not seen before. And indeed, as Orban advertised on his worldcup scarf, a greater Hungary... Or maybe a smaller one, depending on how that war would pan out.. So you're wrong, it's simply better to stop the mafia that is the Kremlin, today. Make the UN charter set in stone, and avoid endless cold and hot wars of the future.

[@happydays4302]

@@attilamarics3374 so just selfish then. Who cares if other people are slaughtered so long as you are ok

[@MarincaGheorghe]

@@attilamarics3374 have you ever hear of "can't see longer than your nose" saying ? Also human egoism and selfishness is not something to praise you know ? As long as you are OK others can just die, isn't it ?

[@iftyhargil8359]

His moving from lying, pivoting, defecting and self-victimization is impressive.

[@imoneixusa9742]

"DW interrogation" zero neutrality in the interrogator

[@timogronroos4642]

As a Finnish I can say far are the days when Hungary and Finland were referred friends joined by the same linguistic background. Now all I can say is FU.

[@larsrons7937]

Just as much as I (Danish) am honoured to see Finland (and Sweden) in NATO during the war in Ukraine I have grown disgusted that Hungary is still member (of both NATO and EU). If they don't want democracy and instead support authoritarian regimes and Putin's Russia, why are they still here? Let them enter union with Russia. And I wish them good luck as Russia will be screwed (by itself) both economically and militarily. Hungary go against the values of EU & NATO.

[@s.m.1354]

We should think about expelling Hungary from NATO decision making. They are definitely a mol.

[@csat1078]

​@@larsrons7937 I don't know where you get your news from: "If they don't want democracy and instead support authoritarian regimes and Putin's Russia, why are they still here?" We've just managed to get out from under the russians thumb 32 years ago. We know authoritarian regimes very very well and we praise our freedom. We have no love for any kind of outside influence either from Moscow, or Brussels or from New York. We are also deeply mistrustful of far leftits because we have very bad memories of what communism meant for us. The problem is that the EU (specifically the European Parliment) behaves more and more in the same imperialistic manner as the soviets were: this makes most of the hungarian electorate very-very nervous. On internal politics of Hungary: we sadly dont have a huge selection of parties to choose from: we have the communists who've survived and managed to get rich by selling out the country in 1990 and onwards, and the imbalance you might referrer to was actually caused by one of these commies (the ex pm of the country called Ferenc Gyurcsány). He admitted on tape that they've screwed over the country and that is how they've won an election. The result was their party tanked, there were mass protests and violence on the streets and he didnt go away. He behaved just like Lukashenko in Belarus: sent in the riot police against the peaceful protesters: and they intentionally pushed the protesters group into violent football huligans.. For video reports: just look for 2006. It was also the 50th anniversary of our 1956 revolution against the communists: and our commies commemorated that with shooting the peaceful protesters again 50 years later.. Eventually they've blamed it all on the chief of police and they've fired policemen. The interior minister and the pm who were in charge didn't take any responsibility. Ever since hungarians least bad option of choice is Fidesz. Most of the electorate votes for them because we have no better option.

[@csat1078]

"Now all I can say is FU." ~ reason being?

[@scotarg1973]

That sounds like a interesting rabbit hole of linguistics that I might venture into sometime.

[@wishingonthemoon1]

Wait, Hungary has NATO’s protection…and they still did the absolute bare minimum to help Ukraine? What you so scared of Hungary? Shameful

[@aliancemd]

Not only are they blocking help to Ukraine, they are also a good Kremlin boy and blocking Sweden and Finland accession to NATO.

[@JBEMultimediamadrid]

Protection from what exactly?

[@KoncsosErvin]

@@JBEMultimediamadrid yes, exactly! protection being attacted. which is insane. 🤣 it would be the beginning os the WW III. Kovacs's claim is a joke.

[@DacianRider]

@@JBEMultimediamadrid from your mum, people saw her being passed around the Rusky campfire with vodka and some rusty AKs !

[@alexcipriani6003]

Hungary is part of NATO … NATO is not an independent entity separate from Hungary

[@nityadasa5852]

damn the guy from dw leading the interview makes good questions should be more ppl like him in this profession

[@whowhywherewhatwhen]

Hungary are being realistic, they know Russia will win this conflict and is pragmatic in maintaining a workable relationship with them. The only resolution will be achieved through dialogue, something that could have been achieved before this operation began, were it not for the intransigence of Western powers. Time for peace.

[@robtorres5518]

History always repeats itself with the ignorance of nations like this

[@0fficialdregs]

bingo

[@6033Kain]

It is our government, not the whole nation is braindead like the ruling party... They bent the voting rules in such a way that they can do whatever they want if they have like 20% of the votes, we cant do anything...

[@Truthorfib]

Yeah like nations thinking it can beat Russia. Go ask the 2-3million German troops and Napoleone. Germany beat France, the UK and basically all of Europe but lost to Russia. So did Napoleone. The right course is diplomacy, not more war. The Istanbul agreements should have ended this months ago. However the UK Prime Minister convinced Ukraine to keep fighting. Plus both Germany and France failed to guarantee the Minsk Agreements who are both guarantors to the agreement that ended this in 2014.

[@robtorres5518]

Here we go. Hungary enabling Russian aggression thru hiding from their expected influence.

[@farkar2713]

To call another nation ignorant is the most ignorant answer you can find to your blatant lack of knowledge and misguided superiority complex, which this show does a great job in catering for.

[@snapdragon6601]

Great job to the news anchor today for really turning the screws on the Hungarian Government and making them answer those hard questions. This guy was a slippery customer when trying to sidestep these questions but you didn't let him go for a second!! 👍🙂 🏆Consolation prize for today's guest for being a good sport and not just walking out.

[@sais8681]

Lol

[@danielxu9]

🇬🇧🇩🇪🇺🇸(The Three Stooges) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:8. 🇬🇧🇩🇪🇺🇸Three got plucked up! Lost the heritage. Our current event. Horns are kings. Revelation 17. Who is the little puny king on the world stage now? A play actor. 🎭) I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. (The beast is G7 Traducer worship political system in Revelation 13.) Daniel 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. (Revelation 20. Know how to catch the serpent Traducer? Learn from Moses in Exodus. 😆)

[@hasmukh2179]

Get this Anchor to also ask the UK government why they are still buying oil from Russia. I thought everybody was meant to be supporting Ukraine who last week almost dragged NATO into world war 3 when they accused Russia of firing missiles into Poland. Hypocrisy is unbelievable.

[@AustinPowers704]

@@danielxu9 is that what your imaginary deaf&mute God told you?!

[@cmavuso6068]

No screws were turned here at least they’re keeping you excessively indoctrinated not the Hungarians wake up an smell the coffee.

[@jgilmo3939]

This Reporter is Hard Core! I like him very much.

[@24sevenrecords51]

We want peace. The greatest statement a leader can say. That is diplomacy

[@Krystone...]

As a Polish citizen, I must say the marriage between Poland and Hungary has been rendered null and void.

[@kukulroukul4698]

as it SHOULD be

[@anssiluomaranta34]

The contrast is crazy: what the polish have done is beyond incredible! Hungary has done... nothing.

[@elenagava4660]

good for you stay a way from curvas

[@maxheadroom1506]

hungary will get what it deserves with this attitude

[@elenagava4660]

@@maxheadroom1506 correct

[@veneramine]

The interviewer is great, refreshing to watch someone who doesn't shy away from such pointed questions.

[@randomguy7175]

Wish he dared to ask Germany same questions.. in such bullying way..

[@Aeronwor]

I think he was a bit too blunt in pushing, and Mr Kovacs is good at his job of avoiding giving a straight answer.

[@carlosg8125]

Great job mr. Kovacs, great composure handling this one sided nutcase. This was an interrogation not interview.

[@jacksimon1978]

Yes! If Ukraine loose, he wins with Putin! If Ukraine wins he Wins With NATO'S, NATO,! WIN WIN SITUATION FOR HUGARY, JUST LIKE TURKEY??.

[@wekapeka3493]

Full marks to Hungary. Also this guy dealt with (yet another) partisan journalist in an excellent manner.

[@sophieturner2676]

Hungary is 💯 correct to be approaching this Ukrainian mess in this way. As a neighbouring country, they are wanting peace as all sensible forward-looking people within Europe do

[@kjdtm]

Hungarians used to be a proud nation, they used to fight for freedom. I am a hungarian in romania, and i am ashamed...

[@Annubys1]

How did fighting for freedom work out for Hungary? Trianon... chopped in pieces and left without any natural recourses, dependent on Russian energy. They are going with another strategy this time. Don't meddle in other nations wars. Let them sort it out.

[@jean-michellambert8769]

@@Annubys1 Lol, ofc Hungary was left out with bad results, they lost the war. How dumb are you?

[@gigikontra7023]

@@Annubys1 chopped in pieces, man!? Transylvania was a ROMANIAN-MAJORITY region!! Why should it be part of Hungary and not Romania!? Finally Romanians and Hungarians of Transylvania have the same rights! Previously Hungarians had all the rights and Romanians all the obligations!

[@gigikontra7023]

Hungary has failed diplomatically in a spectacularly! It could have achieved so much by keeping their mouths shut.

[@Annubys1]

@@gigikontra7023 Whit this reasoning I could ask the same question to you from a Russian perspective? Why should dombras be Ukrainian, the majority is Russian speaking...

[@micheldisclafani2343]

In 1955 I participated in Palermo as a student to the demonstration against the occupation of Hungary by Russia. Now Hungary has forgotten about slavery under Russia because it feels safe within the European union and can play the contradance with Putin and be indifferent to the destruction and suffering of Ukraine. Me, myself and I. !

[@danielxu9]

I don’t see Germany is any better than Hungary. After WW2, German no longer has sovereignty. 😆

[@benharriston2532]

last time i checked ...Russia is not commies anymore ....America is .....check you facts ....because time sure have changed

[@thaliaf9795]

​@@benharriston2532 Great comment! People are so brainwashed that they think Russia is still Soviet Union and the West is a main player of the world's economy.

[@andraskleistenes8586]

Most educated Hungarian do not like Orban. It is time now to intervene and punish Orban for his pro- Russian policy

[@GigiDuruDuru]

@@benharriston2532 lay of Votca comrade, it messed up your brain completely . What free enterprise you have in Russia ? The one in the hands of Putin's gang ? Does American government kills it's opponents ? Dismantle free press ? takes private property by force only to transfer it to his friends ? Do you dare make any moral equivalence between one of most tyranical country in history or present to U.S ? R U RTARDED ?

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Having made my previous comment, I nonetheless believe that Hungary is secretly fearful of Russian targeting of themselves. History shows them that Russia never forgets and they suppose that in 20, 30, or 50 years Russia will find a way to come after them. And why aren't we criticizing Switzerland?

[@genobeano999]

he is full a fear so shameful

[@ildikosowinski5708]

65% of energy comes from Russia to Hungary. Orban doesn't want his people to froze to death. At least he cares he's country.

[@superduck97]

Throw them out. With all due respect.

[@Apo22662]

Ukraine people speak Russian , it's Russian .

[@PotDylan]

Bro Spanish sounds kinda like Italian or Portuguese they should make a single country ranging from South and Central America to Romania called Latinia, they are all Latins aren't they?

[@MafosCZ]

@@Apo22662 I`m Ukrainian, and in my city mostly everybody speak russian, but it doesn`t mean that we are russians, we are Ukrainians, and love Ukraine with all our hearts. Glory to Ukraine!!!

[@Apo22662]

@@MafosCZ what does Ukraine mean in Russian? I know Ukraine wants McDonald's and 7eleven badly, but we both now Ukraine means border country, and kiev was the capital of Russia before Moscow.

[@PotDylan]

@@Apo22662 And apples are fruit, what's next? You're giving us irrelevant information

[@dongike]

"We are the thorn under nail, the grain of sand between the gears, the stick between the spokes of the wheel" Orban Viktor in a speech about our relationship with the European Union, which Hungary willingly and eagerly joined. I don't see how the Trojan Horse question was so outrageous 'with all due respect'

[@ugvadugvaw]

@Teeborg Hungary has become a different country under Orban. Moved away from open, democratic "western" values towards the nationalistic conservative, authoritarian. They have recieved quite some money from the EU, so it has been very beneficial for them.

[@jackp8583]

Your comment is as confusing as the diplomat. Not buying any of this.

[@ugvadugvaw]

@Jack P Why do you think EU is holding back funds, serious money, from Hungary at the moment? It’s because of changes made by the Orban regime that has moved the country in an un-democratic direction. The stream of money from the EU to Hungary will be cut unless they make changes.

[@JohannBBravo]

@Teeborg there was a pre orban time ya know! perspectives did look the same as in other countries like slowenia, croatia or even poland!

[@csat1078]

​@@JohannBBravo That is incorrect in fact. The perspective before Orban's long period of governance was led by the former soviet party which was led by the current leader of the opposition. The main reason Orban and his party is in power inh Hungary is that we only have worse options: either criminal thugs like the one I've mentioned (sending in riot police against protesters in 2006, admitting to faslifying statistics sent to the EU, and admitting they didn't know what they are doing almost managed to lead the whole country into financial ruin) or halfwits who think solar panels are nuclear reactors. Long before that there was a period in which the gov. changed with every election. The reason why the current gov. has overwhelming support is that the previous parties ran themselves into the ground: a large number of their politicians actully went over and sat into Fidesz. Yuck. That is what made things even worse for the ruling party.

[@XPISTOS-ANESTH]

The big questions over Ukraine are rapidly evolving into; How degraded are the european economies going to be allowed to become and just how much NATO's millitary resources are going to be allow to degrade by the immature, egoistic fanatics that are currently running the majority of western nations. Are they that intent in destroying their own nations? One thing is for sure, by far the biggest winner here is China, they have completly secured their preferential access to Russian resources whilst at the same time Russia is ripping the heart out of their adversaries, both economically and militarily, China has been given the global south on a plate, an event capped off by Merkle's insane addmission of western duplicity and dishonesty and the cherry on top for China is that the west has managed to make an enemy of OPEC. It looks like the west is being run by the local kindergarden!

[@777xino]

He keeps saying, "we are a small country," but powerful enough to stop 29 other nations including the U.S. from acting as they want to. The fact that one country can say "no" and all others have to abide by it is absurd. That should be changed to a majority vote, 75-80% perhaps.

[@leventelajos5078]

Hungary was one of the LAST to condemn the Russian agression, they took a LONG time to admit anything. They were stratching their heads what to do.

[@antisnowflake8618]

mi közünk hozzá ?

[@neftu9131]

@@antisnowflake8618 Pl. az, hogy miután hagytuk őket elfoglalni Ukrajnát, minek állnának meg a határnál. Ha ennyire Oroszországban akarsz élni miért nem költözöl oda?

[@ottoveres9694]

But killing Russian civilians in Donbas before Russia invaded Ukraine was ok?! Burn them alive, and missing Russians all the time? Language ban, bombings, killings? Then to tell Ukraine will be in NATO and have rocket system against Moscow from few hundred of kilometers? USA imperialism was screaming for war! Russia gave them, and will win it! Suck on it!

[@glory_to_russia262]

So what?

[@Puleczech]

@@glory_to_russia262 So what? So the dude on the call lies right in your face by saying Hungary was one of the "first" to condemn. I guess you don't care?

[@ricalina4371]

Awesome interviewer!❤👍🥇

[@mikefay5698]

Very similar to the third degree popular in the fiftys and 60's in the US lost favour to waterboarding apparently! Bastinado anyone?

[@ivandiablo8282]

the interviewer certainly held that guy's feet to the fire !! good job !

[@Xadov]

Hungary isn’t behaving like they appreciate the value of this alliance… Good journalism here, Mr. Sebastian. Keep shining light on the lies of self-serving politicians

[@RUTHLESSambition5]

Both of them were good. He kept it real. We get all our energy from Russia. Our people will not go broke for ukraine. Hungarian people are more important to the leader than Ukraine

[@clemalford9768]

Hardly self serving but doing their job looking after Hungary for the Hungarian people. Wish we had a few of those in the UK. Here they are what you describe 'self serving'.

[@clemalford9768]

SEBASTIAN, was not impartial in his interview. He had been given an anti Hungarian agenda by his masters in the EU and NATO.

[@idrisalhajiadamu7590]

This is not a journalism but hypocrisy. The Hungary is looking out for it people.

[@niburu3406]

Apparently what most countries regard as corruption - is legal in US -because their are no laws against bribery etc.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

Hungary are also, together with Turkey, the only NATO nation that still has not accepted Finland and Sweden into the alliance.

[@csat1078]

Hungary has no problem with Findalnd or Sweden joining; their accession is going to be ratified. Turkey however has a long list of demands from Sweden in particular. The latter is whats blocking the process right now.

[@HanSolo__]

I think they should leave both NATO and the EU. I wonder what would Hungarians say about it. I have a few friends there. They feel so embarrassed.

[@olgaszoke9241]

Thats a lie, they did

[@esattulek7096]

Sweden , USA, and other NATO countries supplying state of the art weapons to pkk thugs (supposedly recognized as terrorists by the same) against Turkey?

[@esattulek7096]

What kind of an alliance is this, supporting terrorists against a member State?

[@jesseperez1753]

Thank you for this interview and not letting him off the hook.

[@CHMichael]

It's there right to stay out of it. Everyone should respect that choice.

[@91PKPower]

It’s convenient how the argument is „we’re a small country that doesn’t have a lot of influence“, when asked why Viktor Orban failed on his peace mission to Moscow, but when asked why his prime minister travels to Russia so frequently, he puts Hungary on the same level as France or Germany.

[@koka1571]

Hungary’s argument is that killing Ukrainians and Russians is not the best way to kick Russia out of Ukraine. As citizens who have the least to loose in this conflict, we shouldn’t cheer this on.

[@tomtom34b]

France and Germany are small countries that don´t have a lot of influence.

[@sirfrancis9619]

@@tomtom34b Hmmm Top GDP nations United States: $20.89 trillion. China: $14.72 trillion. Japan: $5.06 trillion. Germany: $3.85 trillion. United Kingdom: $2.67 trillion. India: $2.66 trillion. France: $2.63 trillion. Italy: $1.89 trillion. So number 4 and 7 in the world have no influence?........

[@tomtom34b]

@@sirfrancis9619 Not "no", but not alot. Hmm so GDP equals influence? Also hmm is there a correlation or even causation between GDP and frequency of travel to russia? Remember the statement was "when asked why Viktor Orban failed on his peace mission to Moscow, but when asked why his prime minister travels to Russia so frequently, he puts Hungary on the same level as France or Germany." Sooo, the USA prime minister, or his equivalent, president Joe Biden, travelled how often to russia? hehe

[@91PKPower]

@@tomtom34b I think GDP and global influence are not unrelated. There is no causation between GDP and frequency of travel, or rather frequency of visiting Russia, but noone made that argument. According to the speaker for the Hungarian government, the frequency of visits from one nation to another are no indicator for how good or bad their relations are. I think that logic doesn't check out. Hungary and Russia had and still have a better relationship than France or Germany have, but I don't doubt that Viktor Orban was unsuccessful on his peace mission to Moscow because of Hungarys global influence. I doubt that the peace mission was unsuccessful, because it was never a peace mission, but a regular visit.

[@krisztianolah2320]

Hungary is a NATO ally and Russia has stated that NATO is its enemy, I don't see why the Hungarian government is so confused. Mr Kovacs is "advocating for peace", but failed to bring up any realistic or insightful suggestion on how to achieve it. His best suggestion for peace, letting Ukraine fall brings the 1938 Munich agreement to mind...

[@arselenebitara1356]

True!

[@brianmatsika8628]

Russia cited NATO expansion to the east propagated by the US. And international relations is not as simple as you’re trying to put it

[@glory_to_russia262]

They simply do not want to be part of huge anti Russian madness

[@cristians6120]

Hungary its not ''confused'' AT ALL !! Mr Orban is totaly DEPENDENT of the: 1) 90% russian OIL + 2) 80% russian gas +3) Germany investments in Hungary. This is how this country got its ecomonic ''boom'' (cheap oil and gas) almost identical as Germany: witch became the ''Europe's economic engine'' paying only 30% of the price for the russian's gas DURING DECADES.....Now Germany stoped importing the russian gas and - guess what? - started exporting german jobs (like a Mercedes plant, etc) in ........of course: HUNGARY. Witch has signed contracts with Russia for gas and oil at a fraction of the international price ......They call this: BUSSINESS!

[@krisztianolah2320]

@@brianmatsika8628 Actually a country that is wishing to join NATO has to apply for membership, NATO does not expand on its own. If Russia was truly only worried about Ukraine's NATO membership, they could have come to an agreement before invading Crimea as they had with Finland. The fact that they didn't bother suggests that they either thought that Ukraine was going to be a walk in a park or there were other reasons for the war. The threat of war is often better than actual war. I personally think that both the NATO expansion and the denazification excuses are BS just to justify the action .

[@ionutglodianu899]

As always Hungary try to prove their importance in the world. Unfortunately for them we don't want them or need them

[@amandac2040]

Tim is sooo 👍👍👍! He is quick and sharp, straight to the point. I wish there are more reporters like this in the world.

[@kavinho]

It’s sad when Hungrarian government does not believe in the solidarity of EU and basically decides that it’s own interest is more important than to help stop a criminal act in it’s neighbourhood. If people are weak and cannot sustain hardships in solidarity everyone will end up suffering in isolation.

[@langoyapamasimobanya4337]

The answer is just simple every countries have it own policy

[@atanasavdjiev6302]

By your logic, NATO bombing asian and african countries is not criminal act, but when russia bomb some country is a criminal act? Double standarts. This is why the EU and NATO are trash, and people are starting to realise it.

[@saba1030]

@@langoyapamasimobanya4337 Corruption doesn't have anything to do with "a countries own policy".

[@publikjuli]

Solidarity??? Do you like slogans? Does that mean all countries have to ruin itself like Germany and the UK?

[@physiocrat7143]

The EU is just a continuation of the 3rd Reich.

[@snakey973]

Hungry's position is 'crystal clear' all right.

[@jacksimon1978]

Hungry like to stand in the middle of the Road so he will not get hit by the two way Sreet ,!!.

[@genobeano999]

YES Right in Russia Pocket ........................about money

[@trile8]

Strong bold questions. Great journalism

[@foraslan5801]

I am old and may have missed something, but it appears that the entire narrative of the Hungarian representative can be expressed simply by these 16 words ..... "Hungary is neutral in this and it is not out fight, one way or the other." ..... end of interview; now let's go eat lunch, I know a great little bistro downtown.

[@genobeano999]

when cornered he would mouth those 16 words gutless

[@Jdeorio97]

Someone needs to ask Hungary, why are you even in NATO?

[@glennjhard]

Exactly!!

[@kameraadbonesoep]

For protection against Russia. The irony, right?

[@Richardm1981]

I was actually thinking the same thing

[@Waverox]

Trojan Horse. They are in NATO to delay, stall and oppose decision making.

[@jeanlauridsen8596]

Nato is a criminal organization. Nato created daesh and funded terrrorist groups in Syria.

[@ninaspage]

The uprising in Hungary was a Hungarian uprising directed against the Soviet occupation forces in Hungary. The uprising took place between 23 October and 4 November 1956. The uprising was violently put down by Soviet troops. Around 2000 Hungarians were killed in connection with the fighting. Many fled to Denmark. Have they forgotten it?.

[@cristians6120]

Of course, NO !! But the : power, money, control ant influece are WAY MORE POWERFUL !

[@jannejohansson3383]

@@cristians6120 that's why it's important that EU dosen't give those money's to Hungary, because they dosen't use these way it designed. That country is more soviet union that it was itself in 1980.. Soviet Hungary politics cause all this bad behavior themselves.

[@lszujo73]

yes we have....I'm sorry...we are part of the eastern block once again...this time ,large percentage of the population like it....that's why the EU must withold all financial support from Hungary by all means so this government goes bankrupt...that is our only chance

[@publikjuli]

Dumb question. We very much remember and know what communism is. Russia grew out communism and we understand this. EU on the other hand is inventing it by itself again.

[@CountScarlioni]

But...Orbán wanted cheap Russian energy, and was rather hoping Putin would give him Zakarpattya oblast after conquering Ukraine. For those I think he'd gladly rewrite history.

[@irenaaksaniya56]

It's not an interview, it's an interrogation. bravo Kovac fought back✌️💪

[@ggg-cf9zl]

Bravo for being good Russian b*tch...

[@ubroc]

Got to see the irony of a Hungarian and a German arguing in English

[@mikefay5698]

I saw a Japanese girl who was in Hungary to learn Hungarian. Here in New Zealand I worked with a young chap who went of to Hungary to study the "Sabre"? I think I would choose the sabre to study. Usefull in a domestic!

[@Juljularchaeo]

OBVIOUSLY!!! Why has Europe kept them in is beyond my comprehension

[@MAJOR-D]

Talking to him is like talking to turkeys President same answers and positions,there Russias boys and it goes a lot deeper than we realize

[@patbudge2929]

They are Russians boys, could be. There ,they’re following Orban ,for their own gain.

[@STeALtHsVidz]

There is very little difference between Orban and Erdogan. Both dictators who play both sides of the fence, but just love all the EU money and NATO protection. Both an utter disgrace.

[@panubun5312]

at Least turkey did Something

[@stelianghile822]

Agree

[@Patt12]

And india as well first priority is his country and people and the oil and gas from Russia

[@RennieNightcart]

This DW 'host' kept trying to get under the guest's skin. It clearly did not work.

[@blackhibiscus1876]

I agree.

[@jackbeck913]

this was a really enjoyable interview. Thanks

[@mikefay5698]

Enjoyable for the Hunchback!

[@krazymir]

He should have asked how does he feel about the Hungarian revolution of '56. Maybe Russia was right back then as well?

[@nikolaslarson6891]

Great Point! I'm of the generation who still remembers the Soviet tanks during the bloody suppression of the Hungarian uprising. Hungarian memory seems to be very short...

[@esteemedyams]

We already know how and his government feels about it. This year, for the first time in 32 years there was no celebration in Budapest on the anniversary day of the revolution.

[@Puleczech]

@@esteemedyams Wtf really?

[@attsealevel]

Great comment, most Hungarians (and Serbs) hate Europe. I am at university in Munich (engineer) and have classmates from both countries. Serbia is EU member candidate but maybe only as Russian agent in order to subvert. Unfortunately, this hatred also spills over into Austria, Kosovo and parts of Montenegro and Bosnia.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

@@attsealevel they hate Europe, but love the lies they are fed. They feel unity in their hate, until the divisions turn on nationalism, religion, politics, wealth, language, art and culture etc. big ideas for small minds

[@GaryMaxEffectBoyd]

Time for NATO to relieve Hungary of it's NATO Membership. Clearly it doesn't seem to be a good fit for them as they have so many issues with it. Let's just shake hands and say goodbye. The let's get on with more pressing issues. This guy sounds like a side stepping Republican. He gave himself away when he wants peace and it's ok for Ukraine to give up it's territory so the price of things can cone down. Time for the EU to say goodbye and NATO. Let's see how well they do then.

[@lunde4879]

Yes it should be the time to say goodbye to them, or after the war is over, then a handshake, and goodbye to Hungary. and belive me, it will take Russia 6 month or a year after the war is over, and then it will be Hungarys turn to be russian owned one way or another.

[@GaryMaxEffectBoyd]

@@lunde4879 Geographically that would not be good for NATO and also hard for Russia to achieve.

[@rodmarker2071]

and kick them out of the EU

[@lancerevo9747]

if ukraine didnt want to give up territory they'd have honored the minsk agreements. the cost of human life is territory. deal with it

[@carletouk]

@@rodmarker2071 hungexit?

[@petermaunsell4575]

this guy was better this day, he speaks for Hungary, and not much else, also, someone has to be in a position to facilitate talks after Russia is removed from Ukraine. Europe will still need gas and oil, they will get it from Russia again, and the proceeds will need to go to rebuilding Ukraine .

[@LovasJozska]

Have you recognized the framed article on the wall? it is a famous headline of hungary's then biggest newspaper(nepszabadsag) stating that the "freedom of press in Hungary comes to an end" in 12 different languages, because of that time law changes by this government. Not so much later they also erased the newspaper itself. And this misfit is so proud of that, that he framed it!

[@Puleczech]

Seriously? Wtf?

[@andreeas.2362]

Omg

[@haragithazuko7352]

He did, didn’t he; misfit is a very polite word for this nasty w&£#@er. They are protecting the Hungarian people?. Bulls… as long as people can’t afford to pay their bills while working full time; or when social care and heath services are collapsing they have no right to talk about people, they are only protecting their own wealth and do not want to reduce the amount of money they are stealing every day…this guy and the whole gov of Hungary are for power and money nothing else..

[@Spuck1983]

Comfortably at home...in a nato country huh ? Holy crèpe !

[@Mrac-zz8vh]

Népszabadság was issued by MSZMP (the hungarian communist state party) since 1956! Was under the total control of the murderous regime. After 1990 the post communist elite and MSZP the successor of MSZMP inherited that absolute shame of a media. I would frame the last issue of it and put it on my wall with pride.

[@gonczos]

"The war will end. The leaders will shake hands. The old woman will keep waiting for her martyred son. That girl will wait for her beloved husband. And those children will wait for their hero father. I don’t know who sold our homeland But I saw who paid the price." (Mahmoud Darwish)

[@theodorvogel5468]

Hungary stay strong.

[@515coldfire]

The war doesnt end as long as there is men. The women will lose husbands will find a new or work in eu brothel.

[@mjorge2565]

Did you see Putin drinking champagne and salivating over control of 1/3 of world food supplies and the Ukrainians oil and gas that could make Europe energy independent.. while the bodies of his soldiers rot in Ukraine!!

[@515coldfire]

@@mjorge2565 bodies of ukrainians too. I suggest you watch other news

[@gonczos]

@@mjorge2565 No I haven't, and what's your point? Do you want whole Ukraine burn? Do you really think this war can be won? And if yes, how many dead would be still acceptable for you?

[@eyemallears2647]

I’m British. I understand both points of view.

[@csat1078]

Well it seems you have the brains and use it. Very few people actually listen and considers the positions on merit

[@rogerpallavicini637]

Very strange interview. If the Ukraine would agree not to join Nato and EU, a withdrawel of Russia from ukrainian territory might be negotiable. Would the USA accept Mexico joining the 'former' Warsaw pact' alliance? As Hungary is 80 to 100% depending on oil and gas imports from Russia, with no other pipelines existing, their position is different to Spain, Portugal or Brasil. Who is surprised about this fact?

[@creative.money_eu]

Great Interviewer here. He does not care if he is being liked, and he asks the questions everyone would like to avoid. Greatness.

[@andrewstones2921]

Yes but Zoltan was great here, he answered every point with clarity and sincerity and makes no apologies for Hungary's right to put Hungary first. If only we had more leaders like the Hungarian PM.

[@creative.money_eu]

@@andrewstones2921 I think so too, there are a lot of controversial decision the Hungarian government made, but as long as they keep talking openly about it, everything will be alright!

[@rapator9270]

@@andrewstones2921 Every country have leaders like that. (Party sense). But in highly educated society dont select them. Reason is simple, they miss ability to make good long term decisions. Why they dont make them? Because they lose popularity then. Uneducated people in real life make also short term decisions...so

[@rapator9270]

@@andrewstones2921 Hungary is one of the poorest countrys in EU and will not rise even they buy cheap oil and gas from Russia. Like Russia never be rich country with conservative far right politics even they sell gas and oil. If politics care about people they just help to grow economy not just to talk about they care.

[@Mike.Muc.3.1415]

@@andrewstones2921 We do not need any more neo-fascists. Spare us your BS.

[@tonykalf5946]

Thank you for these very sharp questions and analysis about the position of Hungary within the EU and NATO.

[@analitoalcaraz6060]

Sanctioning Russia and arming Ukraine will not resolve peace but scalation and prolong wars. The only thing is to talk peace and raise what the root cause of the conflict. The more scalation, the more damageable not only in military but the most of all the lives and properties of civilians. If peace negotiation was made earlier, so these things must not be happen.

[@gyderian9435]

Peace negotiations took place several times, the problem was russia breaking them and claiming its not a party in the conflict. This is russias fault and only they can stop shooting their guns, if Ukraine stops russia will rape & murder everyone like in Bucha

[@user-ww1ip1uz5d]

Orban - well done! He understands that aggressiveness against Russia is needed neither by Hungary, nor by Ukraine, but by the USA overseas.

[@oneone8058]

Biden himself admitted that the war on the territory of Ukraine is America's war against obstinate Russia. Russia is a rich country, everything is there, and since 1941 they have been preparing for the destruction of Russia.While Russia has a strong leader, Putin, but he is not eternal, the enmity of America and Great Britain against Russia is eternal, they will try to destroy Russia in a different way, and the common people don't care about Ukrainians, more than 400,000 people died, just because America wants hegemony and power over all countries and people of the planet.

[@wilhelmu]

If I had a shot every time he said "with all due respect" I'd pass out already.

[@pinguzoe]

it's crystal clear

[@MegaGoodmusiclover]

@@pinguzoe That's right, it's crystl clear that he supports Putin and he doesn't want Ukraine to win...

[@thaliaf9795]

This is his second language, I wonder how you speak your second language.

[@desert_rose7171]

this mean ur alcohol tolerance is too low. start drinking vodka, mate. 🤣

[@rido1274]

With all due respect, I think you're drunk.🤣

[@tommysong8463]

If Hungary doesn't want to contribute to NATO, may be it should withdraw from NATO or NATO should force it out. There is no free meal in the world.

[@aliancemd]

If it was only contribution. Not only are they blocking NATO support to Ukraine but also being a good Kremlin boy and blocking Sweden and Finland accession to NATO.

[@ProProboscis]

I wish there were provisions to kick them out of both European Union and Nato! At this point they are just trouble makers!

[@irvin701]

@@aliancemd isn't that Turkey?

[@publikjuli]

Sorry, but the only two thing can protect a country from NATO: A huge collection of nuclear warheads on ICBMs or being a member. The first is more secure.

[@helena.60]

Yes, free meal from EU.🤔

[@EspenFrafalne]

Great interview..! Cant say i was convinced by the way Kovacs avoided to answer direct questions. If they cant do better than this, im not sure they belong in NATO... Cant play both sides in this type of conflict... Not even a little...

[@jolnubraz5887]

Orban is serving 2 masters, Nato and Russia.

[@hurri7720]

Orban is either a total coward or more likely totally corrupt. I hope Hungarians vote him out soon as possible and when it's still possible.

[@scottwatson4584]

I don’t see it that way. If we claim to respect sovereign nations you must be prepared for sovereign nations to possibly act against your best interests. Interests do not always align. That’s why you play the game of politics. Otherwise what you have are vassals. Nobody is innocent to the lead up and to the execution of this war. This has been brewing since the destruction of the USSR. At the end of the day it’s about power and there is a country that has it and has turned others into vassals while there are others that want it and they too will turn others into vassals. The game hasn’t changed nor will it ever.

[@EspenFrafalne]

@@scottwatson4584 I dont agree... If you are part of NATO, then you need to show a certain level allegiance to this. The countries are still free to do their own politics for the most part, but not in a way that goes against NATO principles, or else they dont fit into NATO. They are free to leave any time they want, which is why NATO countries are not "vassal states". And its not like NATO makes unreasonable demands. NATO was part of the wars in Afghanistan and Serbia, but it had nothing to do with the war in Irak, or other wars that individual western countries chose to be part of... Im not really sure what happened on 9/11, but the official explanation is that Bin Laden had done the attacks, which legitimized a NATO response. In Serbia, the Red Cross had information about mass graves of Albanians, as well as lots of Albanians being kidnapped into the Serbian territory, which IMO seem like pretty valid reasons to intervene.

[@scottwatson4584]

@@EspenFrafalne Iraq had nothing to do with 911. They didn’t harbour Bin Laden nor did they attack the United States. All NATO commanders have been US. NATO is led by the US. The US jumps in and out of agreements anyway it sees fit. It sells arms to Saudi Arabia. A country that is nowhere near NATO principles. Commits coups in other countries. I would bet money that a NATO ally blew up Nordstream 2. Obviously the Russians didn’t do it. It would have been on every news station. The principles of NATO are a lie. But you can’t argue that it did bring peace to Europe. No; the European countries will not leave NATO. It’s a racket. They want the protection. Not only if other nations but if the United States. If they left the union they would have to ramp up their military. A lot of them wouldn’t be able to afford it.

[@fisterklister]

I love Tim Sebastian. He's the greatest

[@prismpyre7653]

there need to be provisions in the EU and NATO to suspend the membership of nations that cease to be democratic

[@user-mr1um1cg5v]

Agree.

[@YidLitvak5771]

Hungary is a joke in my eyes. Not willing to stand up to Putin who is Orbans master.

[@topdown3660]

@@YidLitvak5771 you are a joke in my eyes buddy

[@attilamarics3374]

How is Hungary not democratic?

[@attsealevel]

Agreed, many Hungarians (and Serbs) hate Europe. I am at university in Munich (engineer) and have classmates from both countries. Serbia is EU member candidate but only as Russian agent in order to subvert. Unfortunately, this hatred also spills over into Austria, Kosovo and parts of Montenegro and Bosnia.

[@jhszxc]

If Russia attack Hungary and take part of the country, other country should sit, wait and look for "peace", talking with the leader of Russia!

[@lugardboy]

Russia won't do sleep

[@niburu3406]

He dry is that not what tyrants and bullies do?

[@csat1078]

Are you mental? Why? Ukraine is not an ally of any kind to Hungary. Why would we get involved in their war? They arent exactly friendly to hungarians on their territory. They are actually pretty hostile towards them: and well before 2014.

[@olwenpuralena4576]

This interviewer is so good! 🔥🔥🔥

[@simondutton5413]

We all want peace, listen to the guy,

[@Thedeepseanomad]

One of the major reasons why Hungary and Türkiye behave like they do relative to Russia is that their leaderships share many values (conservative authoritarian) and makes money that helps them solidify their power by trading with each others.

[@zayinusa8]

Bs

[@Mike.Muc.3.1415]

@@zayinusa8 What a brilliant argument. You must be one of these bright minds on YT we keep hearing so much about.

[@WiseOwl_1408]

Sounds cool.

[@WiseOwl_1408]

​@@Mike.Muc.3.1415 I'm sick of all the imperialism from the west. Our values are not everyone's. No wonder the world hates us

[@leetolstoi3040]

A short of appeasement.

[@guillerbrady9261]

There is a couple of countries that don't belong in Nato or Nato should have a ranking system were certain countries can be part of Nato but don't have much say or authority. Turkey being one alongside Hungary. Turkey is playing both sides to increase its power, then they keep screwing and threatening those that want to join EU or Nato.

[@carlosfranceschi4591]

Exactly

[@ChuckAmadi]

Echo your thoughts. Why don't they leave if their Ideology isn't aligned with Western Democracies.

[@sandy29tu]

Nato should through out Turkey but they are afraid i guess.

[@user-mr1um1cg5v]

I know and understand why both of them are taken into NATO but I don’t understand why neither of them are not suspended with a warning to be kicked out.

[@carlosfranceschi4591]

@@user-mr1um1cg5v because this isn't High school lol

[@lupolinar]

He talks a lot about peace, while doing nothing to achieve it. Interesting.

[@PlaYer-sn5or]

He is taking about peace coz he know Ukraine can't win this war.

[@IMNeutralPerson]

peace means for them, let Russia do whatever they want, as long as we get cheap gas and oil prices from Russia and get free money from EU

[@GaryMaxEffectBoyd]

Much side stepping here. Perhaps NATO should review if they still qualify.

[@DacianRider]

hungary's peace / piss = surrender.

[@anabelpineda9976]

And also blocking the money they need to get to Ukraine for they could continue paying the soldiers and survive at the UE hungry always block it in Germany

[@dappawap]

Amazing how polarized people are, with an attitude that if you do not rapidly accept new members to NATO or send weapons to Ukraine you are somehow " pro Russia". One question suggested that Hungary is far right and racist , which can also be directed at military factions in Ukraine. Unfortunately this war is not going to end soon. He is right, a diplomatic solution is needed.

[@JoeyBlogs007]

At 3:46 He confirmed removal of troops was requested, thus acknowledging this as a solution. Yet he contradicts himself later at 4:48. Then at 5:03 Halleluiah, he acknowledges there's only one way to get the illegally invading Orcs out of Ukraine.

[@patbudge2929]

This Hungarian guy is on glue!

[@Gabby6060842]

Love this guy! Old school hard hitting journalist.

[@badaasaab6694]

Hungary is the only sane voice - they are cautious and are able to decipher where the USA is leading all EU into a trap. A trap for benefitting US's future hegemony, in terms of arms sales and energy sales to Europe..

[@primalamusica3]

Agree, Tim Sebastian is brillant! Not afraid to ask hard questions.

[@TheJmkovacs]

@@primalamusica3 Yep, Tim Sebastian was brilliant when he run Hard Talk. Today he is visibly shaky, yet trying hard to be tuff. All he is doing is provoking, this is not journalism, this is entertainment.

[@michstockholm1164]

Har hitting old bullshiter with the majority of his pack behind him! :D Not very impressive.

[@genobeano999]

yes he is .....NO dancing around with this guy

[@sophieturner2676]

We want peace ✌️

[@davidterry1874]

As far as I know neither the EU or NATO has declared war on Russia . Also despite numerous opportunities to do so ( and Ukraine pleading ) neither organization has allowed Ukraine to join them. What it has done is funded a war that so far has cost Ukraine officially 100,000 dead soldiers ( unofficially number is now possibly x2 ) with about 3x wounded , loss of about 25% of their country so far ( with Poland , Hungary , Romania eyeing the parts that were taken from them by USSR to make modern day Ukraine hungrily ) had their entire economy destroyed and now having their energy infrastructure shut off ( when this happened in Iraq this cost about 1 million civilian deaths according to reports ) with more and more citizens leaving country every day ( small town in Canada , so far have about 20 families here with more coming ) Hungary seems to be the one of the few countries in the EU that is living in reality and not a fantasy world of feelings ( since the 1980’s NATO has known that there was no way they could fight Russia in the east because of material and logistics imbalance of conventional forces without going nuclear , their own war games always ended this way ) and this was when NATO was at its peak , not the watered down version of today ( Air mobile formations ) Hungarys leadership cares about its people ( which is what your leadership is suppose to do ) not about some fantasy utopia that Brussels has dreamed up or the Americans are selling them.

[@gyderian9435]

Reported for misinformation. If you didn't do it on purpose, please educate yourself

[@user-dc4fe7el5s]

❤️

[@csvegso]

"If you wanted peace ... why did not you tell Moscow to get its troops out of Ukraine?"...... "Well, we tell them each week when we meet in Moscow and shake hands"

[@dancotton13]

But what is NATO doing in Ukraine anyways ?

[@RazvanMGH]

@@dancotton13 The right question is what is Russia doing in Ukraine, a sovereign state?

[@TheKocon13]

@@dancotton13 Ukraine has maintained its relatioship with NATO since 1994, and developed its candidacy between Crimea and now.

[@dancotton13]

@@TheKocon13 So then, why Ukraine is not a member of NATO but despite that NATO acts like it is.

[@hamidhamidi3134]

All this started with a coup against an elected president. Terrible.

[@abdulabdullahi3849]

Hungary has perfected the classical metaphor "Eating the cake and keeping it at the same time" and i'm not just talking about Ukraine war but their behaviour since Orban government came to power.

[@topdown3660]

and why would that be any of your concern, Abdul? don't you have anything else bigger to worry about in Middle East? like, not starving to death?

[@eilidha]

Authoritarian fascist dictatorships like ones in Hungary or Russia are a problem for the entire world

[@LiberalinOregon]

The phrase is, You can’t have your cake and eat it too. 😉

[@Jethr001]

Hungary is an accessory to WAR CRIMES!! I will never forgive them or return to Hungary!

[@gonczos]

@@Roma_Aeterna_SPQR , go on bully, bring on your list!

[@robertgalloway3771]

Was Victor Orban alive or old enough to remember Russia invading Buda pest in 1956 ? The people of Hungary throwing Molotov Cocktails into Russian Tanks!??

[@matafdo123]

Hit him hard with the questions!!

[@alandrew4131]

Kick them out of the EU and NATO!

[@ricardo53100]

There is no mechanism to kick any member out of NATO. I believe that same is true for the EU; however, the EU can withhold funding.

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

I wish i could give more thumbs up for Tim Sebastian. Sir you rock and i salute !

[@margaraharja8135]

I really like this interview

[@lshaps46]

I remember 1956 when Russia invaded Hungary. Many Hungarians fled to the USA and I became friends with several of them. Strange to see this Zoltan character explain Hungary's approach to Moscow and the war in Ukraine. Hungary should be thrown out of NATO.

[@eansmith4925]

He could not say it! I want Ukraine to win. Ukraine is fighting for freedom.

[@schutzanzug4518]

Ukraine isn’t fighting for freedom; there is no freedom in ukriane.

[@MarincaGheorghe]

They only want "world peace". And not condemning the aggressor.,

[@user-fe5oz4ec6i]

за свободу нацистского беспредела и убийств? Интересная интерпретация свободы, так по европейски))

[@laszlozoltan5021]

@@christopherboateng3655 everything coming from a ruzzia is a lie - the truth is opposite of what ruzzia says

[@wamingo]

​@@user-fe5oz4ec6i свобода от тебя

[@endres5628]

Just to let you know. On the wall behind Zoltan Kovacs is the last print of the "Népszabadság" newspaper. The title page says: "The press freedom is over In Hungary." It is like a trophy for them. I am hungarian (sadly) and I am not wealthy whatsoever. But I am begging you, do not give money for this regime. Do not believe anything they say or promise.

[@Rastloese]

'Really nobody can say what rule of law is.' History will not judge him kindly.

[@yam2050]

What press is free in this whole world, anyone paying for ads always have control over them. Sponsors can be billionaires, govt or anyone with enough power and wealth.

[@giorgiou8178]

@@yam2050 you are exposing a problem to escape from another problem. It's no doubt waht you say it's true but you have not the freedom I have. And if I see too much of the same ads I can freely report and block this add, if I want to I can say freely on social media that the company that make this ads are using his money and power unfairly. The point is, who have the freedom have the ability to do the world better. It's no more the interest of a country, it's old thinking school, it's abou all of us. You do you, if you like to live in a totalitarian regime, it's your choice. But this kind of thinking it's not accepted in EU. Hungary needs EU not EU Hungary.

[@ugvadugvaw]

@YAM That is not true. Press is free in many places. You can write and publish whatever you want. Commercial Tv-stations and papers have many different sources of income and revenue so not very unlikely that one or two advertisers can have an affect, perhaps in a local product. I don’t know where you live (I’m in Scandinavia) but the narrative you ’re spreding sound like something that is cooked up by authoritarian regimes that control press, or conspiracy theorists (which quite often are fueled by the very same regimes). Don’t despair. There are actually honest politicians in the world. There are free press. Regular people can make a difference.

[@Comm0ut]

Do the smart thing like all my ancestors and emigrate. There are much better places to live with actual hope for the future including Canada which needs more people to develop its enormous area.

[@debasishraychawdhuri]

The thing is that other European countries can blame Hungary for buying oil after they stop buying Russian gas. It is not like Russia will use only oil money for war and the gas money for social development.

[@lamindabo6701]

Thank you my friend from Italy

[@eotlati1763]

Hungary has right as independent country to pursue it interest first.

[@gabor.legrady]

Then why Orban act as a servant of Putin? Independence down the drain.

[@filipstrzebonski6267]

They have no place in the eu and nato then

[@saiganesh7502]

@@gabor.legrady No, he is doing what is best for his own people. He knows that his people need cheap energy to survive. Unlike other American puppet states in Europe, Victor in the only one that actually cares about his own people and does what is best for them

[@artlover4997]

Lets be real, the only reason they support Russia is so that if Russia invades other Eastern European countries, Hungary may get their slimy hands on Romania with Russia's support.