Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski demanded an alternative after Hungary blocked the 90‑billion‑euro loan it had pledged to Ukraine. “We need a Plan B” he told “Politico” and “Die Welt” on Wednesday, adding that the issue is not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole. “We all need this Plan B” he said.
Zelenski said Ukraine is defending freedom across all of Europe. “Our European partners and true friends know that we are not only defending Ukrainian values” he explained, calling the situation a great challenge for everyone.
He sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, accusing him of siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Orban blocks everything for Ukraine: money, weapons and our path to the EU” he said. “The only thing he does not do like Putin is launch rockets at Ukraine or send soldiers”.
Zelenski also accused Orban of blackmail, claiming that the European Commission had told him that Hungary wants Russian oil and would block the funds if Ukraine does not route that oil. According to Ukraine, a Russian attack at the end of January damaged the pipeline.