Magyar urges Hungary to unblock Ukrainian grain transit

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar is calling on the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift restrictions on Ukrainian grain transit through Hungary, arguing that the current policy harms both European solidarity with Ukraine and Hungarian economic interests.

Magyar criticized the Orban government for blocking Ukrainian agricultural exports at a time when Ukraine desperately needs revenue to fund its defense. He argued the restrictions serve Russian interests by weakening Ukraine's economy.

Hungary's stance on Ukraine

Hungary under Orban has taken a distinctly different approach to Ukraine compared to most EU members, maintaining closer ties with Russia and blocking or delaying several EU aid packages for Ukraine. The transit restrictions on Ukrainian grain have been a point of contention with both Ukraine and the European Commission. Magyar's TISZA party has been the main electoral challenge to Orban's Fidesz in recent years, advocating for closer alignment with EU positions on Ukraine.