Europe may enter a period of stronger confrontation with Russia after the election results in Hungary - TASS quoted German political expert Alexander Rahr as saying.
Writing on Telegram, Mr. Rahr said that the defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to the opposition in the April 12 election has changed the political balance in the European Union (EU), paving the way for Brussels to pursue more drastic policies on the Ukraine issue.
Europe feels it has regained its initiative. But what is worrying is that they may move towards increasing support for Ukraine and deeper confrontation with Russia," he said.
According to this expert, the scenario of resolving conflict through diplomatic channels - which was persistently promoted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban - is gradually closing. For many years, Budapest has been one of the few voices in the EU calling for peaceful negotiations instead of escalating tensions.
Hungary's change of stance could create a major turning point. Mr. Rahr warned that Budapest is likely to become "a completely member following the EU's common foreign policy", meaning no longer vetoing decisions related to financial aid and arms supplies to Ukraine.
This could help the EU become more unified in its policy towards Russia, especially in the context that the bloc is seeking to maintain pressure both economically and militarily.
The new developments raise concerns that the EU will accelerate support packages for Ukraine, while tightening measures to deal with Russia. In the context of prolonged conflict and no signs of cooling down, any changes within Europe could have a major impact on the regional geopolitical situation.
If this trend continues, the prospect of reaching a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through negotiations may become increasingly distant, replaced by the risk of escalating tensions between Russia and the West in the near future.
