Hungary Again Breaks With West: Ukrainian Attack On Kursk Is 'Wrong'

Hungary has criticized Ukraine's incursion into Kursk, stating that it is not purely defensive but also includes offensive operations against Russian territory. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's top advisor, Gergely Gulyas, called for a ceasefire and peace, emphasizing that Hungary is "pro-peace" and against anything that hinders a diplomatic settlement to the war. Gulyas also mentioned that Ukraine and Russia should remember their responsibility for Europe's energy security, as they are involved in the transportation of Russian oil and gas through Ukrainian territory. The potential for damage to gas infrastructure has raised concerns, particularly in Hungary, which relies heavily on Russian gas. Despite this, Ukraine and Russia do not seem to want to disrupt the gas flow, and operators in Austria and Hungary have reported no disruptions in gas supply so far. Hungary's stance on the Kursk operation contrasts with other European leaders, such as the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who has expressed full support for Ukraine's fight. Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has also raised concerns about Ukraine's military operations inside Russian territory, questioning the country's commitment to Ukraine despite Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's support for Kyiv. Crosetto emphasized that weapons provided to Ukraine by Italy are intended for defensive purposes only and cannot be used to attack Russian territory. Strategically, while Ukraine's Kursk operation may have dealt a morale blow to Kremlin leadership, Russia is still advancing in the Donbass region, where the conflict's front line is located. If Ukraine's Kursk operation fails, it will not result in any strategic gains in eastern Ukraine.