On March 5, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped the "individual" blocking a 90 billion euro (105 billion USD) European Union (EU) loan for Ukraine would cease, otherwise he would provide that person's address to the Ukrainian military so they could "talk in their own language."

Zelensky did not name anyone directly, but his remarks appeared aimed at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is currently blocking the EU loan to Ukraine.

Hungary previously accused Ukraine of deliberately hindering the transit of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. In response, Hungary blocked EU sanctions against Russia and the bloc's loan to Ukraine.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reacted strongly on March 6, stating that President Zelensky had "crossed all lines" and was "threatening the life" of Orban.

Prime Minister Orban accused the Ukrainian leader of "not only threatening me but also threatening Hungary." Orban added, "Unfortunately, he cannot stop me from protecting the Hungarian people."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in 7/2024. Photo: AFP

The EU expressed displeasure with the Ukrainian leader's actions. According to an EU official, European Council President Antonio Costa is working to "reduce tensions between Hungary and Ukraine."

"The escalation of harsh rhetoric from all sides does not help our goals, and the type of language President Zelensky used is unacceptable. No threats against EU member states are permitted," an EU official said, adding that Costa is regularly in contact with both Hungarian and Ukrainian leaders.

European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill commented that Zelensky's statement was "unacceptable," and urged both sides to "de-escalate" the harsh rhetoric.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called on EU leaders to "steer clear of Zelensky's blatant blackmail statements." Fico emphasized that even during wartime, the Ukrainian leader's threatening remarks towards Orban must be condemned.

Ngoc Anh (According to Kyiv Independent, Reuters, AFP)