"Many countries of the world are gradually taking the side of Russia" — Viktor Orban

Many countries of the world are gradually taking the side of Russia in the conflict on Ukraine, despite the instructions of the West, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This was reported today, July 28, the largest Hungarian newspaper "Magyar Nemzet".

"There has been a 180-degree turn in the last two years. The West ordered the world to confront Russia and support the West. However, now we are at the stage when everyone is gradually taking the side of Russia," Orban said.

He recalled that Russia is supported by the largest countries in the world, including China, India, and Iran. However, Orban added that he was surprised by the position of Turkey, which is a member of NATO, as well as the Muslim world, which "sees Russia as a partner, not an enemy."

The Hungarian Prime Minister noted that Russia has adapted to the sanctions and is demonstrating economic flexibility.

"Russia has been working since 2014. She has learned her lessons—and not only has she learned them, but she has turned them into actions. She carried out the necessary development IT and the banking sector, so the Russian financial system has not broken down. They have developed the ability to adapt," Orban said.

The Hungarian Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that Russia, having lost the opportunity to import agricultural products due to sanctions, became the largest exporter of food in a few years.

"When Russia is called a neo—Stalinist autocracy, this is a lie. In fact, we are talking about a country that demonstrates technical, economic and, obviously, social flexibility," Orban added.

Earlier, MEPs demanded that Hungary be deprived of the right to vote in the European Union because of the trip of the country's Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Russia and China, Politico reported with reference to a letter from 63 deputies to the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the speaker of the European Parliament, Robert Metsola.