Leaders of neighboring countries—Slovakia, Hungary, Poland—among others, have made statements regarding the Russian drone strike on a high-rise building in Romania during a Russian attack on Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico calls for direct negotiations between the EU and Russia; Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar condemned the Russian drone strike, while his predecessor Viktor Orbán says it reinforces the need for Hungary's "neutrality"; meanwhile, Polish President Nawrocki says that Russia must be held accountable, UNN reports.
Fico calls for EU dialogue with Russia
A few days ago, I stated that in the absence of dialogue between the EU and the Russian Federation, any accidental drone could lead to an escalation of tension that we would not be able to handle. I express my full solidarity with the Romanian government regarding the drone incident, call for restraint in making harsh statements, and once again call for the immediate start of dialogue between the EU and the Russian Federation
Magyar condemned the Russian drone strike
Yesterday's Russian drone attack once again underscores that the unity of Europe and NATO is more important today than ever before. In Romania, in the city of Galați, two people were injured in an explosion after a Russian drone crashed into a residential building. Hungary strongly condemns any attack that endangers the civilian population and violates the territory and airspace of a sovereign EU and NATO member state
Magyar emphasized: "Hungary expresses its solidarity with Romania. We wish the injured a speedy recovery and support a full and thorough investigation into the incident."
Orbán also spoke out
Magyar's predecessor, Viktor Orbán, also decided to speak publicly, as noted by The Guardian, increasing pressure on Hungary to "maintain a policy of neutrality" in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"We sympathize with the victims of the drone attack on neighboring Romania. The incident confirms that the war poses a direct threat to neighboring countries. Therefore, we call on the Hungarian government to maintain the policy of neutrality established by the previous government and not to take any step towards a pro-war Europe!" - Orbán wrote on Facebook.
However, there was not a single word of condemnation or criticism regarding Russia from Orbán.
Russia must be held accountable, says Polish President Nawrocki
The Russian drone strike on a residential building in Romania is deeply disturbing. My thoughts are with all those affected. Poland stands firmly by Romania and condemns this unacceptable violation, which has endangered the civilian population on NATO territory. Russia must be held accountable for actions that threaten the security and stability of Europe