Hungary’s loyalties tested as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on
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Budapest withdrew from a Russian-controlled bank after sanctions were imposed, but ties with Western powers are still shaky. Hungary's populist leader, Viktor Orban, has been playing West against Russia and China for years, but the pressure builds as Ukraine war drags on, analysts say. "The Hungarian government continues to maintain close relations with Russia and support the Russian war machine through various economic means," US Ambassador David Pressman said on April 12. The measures marked a new decline in relations between Hungary and its Western partners. However, worse could come. Reports indicate that the announced measures are a shot past Budapest's bow, aimed at deterring the European Union and NATO country from moving away from Russia and China. And Hungary's refusal to ratify Sweden's NATO membership is seen as a trigger. "With this action, the United States shows that we will take action in response to Hungary's election," Pressman said. Orban has spent years resisting or fleeing what he calls the dictatorship of Washington and Brussels. His stance, corruption and the weak rule of law Hungary have resulted in billions of dollars funds being frozen as the EU tries to trick him. But while Hungarian leader enjoyed his reputation as a troublemaker, the Russian invasion of Ukraine increased risks. Orban doubled down on refusing to break up with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Amid growing tensions, his country is now blocking NATO expansion with Turkey. Following Ankara's steps, Hungary approved Finland's membership at the end of March, after a seven-month delay. However, Sweden is still waiting for the green light from the duo. Budapest said parliament, which on other occasions served as a rubber stamp for the prime minister, refused to ratify it because of Sweden's criticism of the Hungarian government. Orban's spokesperson stuck to scenario when he told Al Jazeera that the prime minister had made it clear Sweden should eventually be admitted to NATO. Zoltan Kovacs said parliament's hesitation was due to "an overt and open hostility that has persisted for years". He also suggested that Swedish authorities are urging the EU stop funding Budapest in order "pressure the Hungarian government submit". However, Kovacs did not respond to questions about alternative theories regarding the reasons for the delay or its potential impact on relations with NATO partners. But Daniel Hegedus of the German Marshall Fund in the USA suggests that there are several factors behind gambling. Hegedus said Orban hopes to show EU partners that his criticism of Hungary has a political price and persuade them to freeze funds. But there is also a line of thought that Orban's growing criminal record stems from a long-held and overarching bel