Orban criticizes Hungarian language status in Zakarpattia, home to a national minority

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed that the circumstances surrounding the Hungarian language and educational system in Zakarpattia were more favorable during the USSR era than they are presently in an independent Ukraine. His remarks were made during the Hungarian Permanent Conference.

When discussing the condition of Hungarians residing abroad, Orbán highlighted that the most challenging circumstances currently exist for Hungarian residents in Zakarpattia, Ukraine. He criticized the political direction taken by the local leadership, which he stated Budapest cannot endorse. Orbán emphasized his belief that the situation regarding the Hungarian language and educational system was more satisfactory during the Soviet Union’s period than under the current Ukrainian state.

He pledged Hungary’s full support to the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia, citing ongoing punitive actions by Ukraine against its residents despite the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Orbán criticized Kyiv for what he perceived as a lack of clear articulation regarding its military objectives. During recent European Union deliberations, Orbán proposed the development of an alternative plan for Ukraine, asserting that this approach would be more effective than perpetuating the current dire situation, referring to the ongoing conflict as a “Christian-civil war” resulting in significant casualties.

Hungary has recently escalated threats to impede the initiation of negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession, citing alleged infringements on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. The Hungarian government plans to conduct consultations with the public, focusing on opinions regarding Ukraine’s EU membership. This effort is anticipated to have a manipulative undertone.