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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jennifer Rankin in Brussels

Ursula von der Leyen attacks Viktor Orbán over pro-Russia stance

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech during a debate at a lectern as she is watched by Hungary's president, Viktor Orban
Ursula von der Leyen, watched by Viktor Orbán, said: ‘There are still some who blame this war not on Putin’s lust for power but on Ukraine’s thirst for freedom.’ Photograph: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images

Ursula von der Leyen has accused Viktor Orbán of a historic failure to support Ukraine, economic mismanagement and making his country a “back door for foreign interference” in her sharpest public rebuke yet to Hungary’s strongman leader.

Standing a few metres away from Orbán in the European parliament in Strasbourg, the European Commission president pointedly criticised Orbán’s stance on Ukraine by contrasting his record with that of Hungarian freedom fighters of 1956, who rose against Soviet oppression but were ultimately defeated by the Red Army.

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