Poland’s Prime Minister Criticizes Hungary and Slovakia for Lavrov Meeting Amid Navalny’s Funeral

Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has openly criticized the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers for their recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The encounter occurred during a regional forum in Turkey, drawing sharp condemnation from Tusk, particularly due to its timing coinciding with the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Tusk minced no words in expressing his disapproval, stating that meeting Lavrov on the day Navalny was laid to rest was more than just a matter of etiquette; it was a reflection of deeper moral and political concerns. He underscored the insensitivity of such a gesture, especially given the solemn occasion of Navalny’s funeral in Moscow.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, and his Slovak counterpart, Juraj Blanár, engaged in discussions with Lavrov during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, with Szijjarto even sharing details of their dinner on social media. Tusk’s rebuke was clear: the actions of the Hungarian and Slovak officials underscored a stark divergence in attitudes towards Russia and its aggression towards Ukraine.

Tusk’s sentiments were echoed by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who labeled the meeting with Lavrov as a “regrettable choice.” The divide within Central European countries regarding their stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine was glaringly evident. While Poland and the Czech Republic remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, advocating even for arms deliveries, Hungary and Slovakia exhibit markedly different perspectives.

The discordance among these Central European nations reflects broader tensions within the European Union regarding its approach towards Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting between Lavrov and the Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers serves as a microcosm of these divergent viewpoints and highlights the challenges in forging a unified EU response to Russian aggression.

As Poland’s Prime Minister Tusk continues to speak out against what he perceives as diplomatic missteps, the incident underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding international relations, particularly in the context of Russia’s assertive foreign policy and its implications for regional stability in Europe.

Author: DA

Source: The Independent