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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Hungary's alignment with Russia and its controversial decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski, a Polish politician accused of

corruption. Speaking on the second day of Christmas, Tusk expressed concern over Hungary’s stance amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and questioned its commitment to European solidarity.

In a post shared on the platform X, Tusk referenced Russia's massive missile attacks on Ukrainian cities during Christmas, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

“During this time, in a holiday interview, Prime Minister Orbán called Putin a trustworthy partner for Hungary,” Tusk wrote.

Orbán’s statements spark controversy

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in a recent interview with Magyar Nemzet, described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a trustworthy partner for Hungary.” He also referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as close allies, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

Tusk condemned Orbán’s remarks, emphasizing the incongruity of an EU leader supporting Russia amid its continued aggression against Ukraine. Recent Russian missile strikes on Ukraine targeted critical energy infrastructure and residential areas, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. These attacks coincided with Christmas celebrations in Ukraine, which now follow the Western liturgical calendar as a symbolic break from Russian influence.

Poland scrambles jets amid rising tensions

In response to missile strikes in western Ukraine, Poland deployed fighter jets on Christmas morning, though they returned to base without incident. The escalation underscores Poland’s vigilance in the face of Russia’s aggression and its commitment to regional security.

Scandal over Romanowski’s asylum

Tusk also addressed the asylum granted by Hungary to Marcin Romanowski, a former Polish deputy justice minister under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government. Romanowski, accused of multimillion-dollar corruption, fled to Hungary after being targeted by a European Arrest Warrant.

Romanowski’s asylum has drawn sharp criticism from Polish officials and opposition figures. Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s Minister of Internal Affairs, called Romanowski’s demands for conditional return “pathetic.” Romanowski, speaking on social media, had declared he would return to Poland within six hours if the current government met his terms.

“It’s outrageous that someone accused of serious crimes dares to set conditions for the Republic of Poland,” Siemoniak said.

Critics argue that Orbán’s decision to shelter Romanowski is another instance of Hungary’s increasingly controversial foreign policy under his leadership, further isolating the country within the European Union.

Broader implications for EU solidarity

Tusk’s remarks highlight the growing tensions between Hungary and other EU nations over its alignment with Russia and decisions that undermine European unity. With Poland, France, and Germany convening extraordinary meetings to address the ongoing crisis, Hungary’s actions have sparked debate over the EU’s ability to present a united front against external threats.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Tusk’s condemnation reflects the urgency for European nations to maintain solidarity and hold member states accountable for actions that may weaken collective security. Photo by Platforma Obywatelska RP, Wikimedia commons.