Russia-Ukraine war: Hungary denies plans of restrictions on issuance of visas to Russians

As western nations continue to tighten sanctions on Russia over its "unjustified" invasion of Ukraine, Hungarian government has confirmed that it does t intend to stand with West on idea of imposing restrictions on Russian citizens. he of Hungarian Foreign Ministry, Peter Szijjarto, on Wednesday anunced that Hungary does t intend to restrict visas for Russian citizens following a telephone conversation with his Estonian counterpart, Urmas Reinsalu, reported TASS.

Wher European Union tightens practise of issuing Schengen visas to Russians or t, Hungary will t introduce such plans against Russian citizens, said Szijjarto, who took to Facebook and wrote, "Here we share position of German Chancellor and do t plan to introduce any restrictions."

Hungary denies plans of restrictions on issuance of visas to Russian people

He said that conversation took place on initiative of Estonian minister. "It was a long discussion, and we agreed on most important issue: war in Ukraine must end as soon as possible! I told him that for us, as a neighbouring country, it is especially important that peace be established as soon as possible," Szijjártó ded. He also confirmed that any sanctions imposed by Hungarian government against Russia will t contribute to settlement of Ukrainian conflict, per TASS News report

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of 27 European Union countries are scheduled to meet by end of this month to discuss next step for issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens on August 30 in Prague. On Monday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said he did t support idea of imposing a visa ban on all Russians in community. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also ted that he would t stop  issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. According to him, Russian President Vlimir Putin is responsible for situation in Ukraine and t Russian people.

Energy sanctions on Russia

Hungarian Minister ted that Estonian Government has alrey anunced its intention to prepare proposals for entire European Union on eighth pack of sanctions against Russia, which will include a complete embargo on energy supplies. However, Budapest does t support such ideas. "We don't even want to negotiate energy sanctions," Szijjarto wrote.

"At present, it is physically impossible to ensure supply of oil and natural gas to Hungary without Russian energy resources," he of Hungarian Foreign Ministry recalled, ding that government does t want ordinary Hungarian citizens to pay for situation in Ukraine. He also ted that "energy sanctions harm Europe more than Russia, so ir tightening would be completely contrary to common sense."

Im: AP