"I look at your actions and ask myself: where did that Viktor go?" Viktor Yushchenko wrote an open letter to Viktor Orbán
Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko addressed an open letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, reminding him of the times when he had a different political image, and attaching a joint photo from the late 1990s.
"Viktor, look at this photograph.
We stand side by side at a time when the future of our region seemed common, clear, and bright to us. Back then, we both believed that freedom was not just a word, but the highest gift worth fighting for. I remember you differently. I remember a leader who understood the value of dignity and knew what liberation from imperial oppression was.
Today, I look at your actions and ask myself: where did that Viktor go? How did it happen that a man who witnessed the birth of a free Hungary is now playing along with forces that seek to destroy a neighbor's freedom?
Ukraine is bleeding today for the very values we once discussed at the negotiating table. We are defending not only our land; we are defending the peace of your country, as well as all of Europe.
Politics is not just about numbers, profit, or gas. It is first and foremost about values. When you choose the side of the aggressor, you betray not only Ukraine—you betray the memory of your own people, who know what Soviet tanks on the streets of Budapest mean.
Viktor, stop and remember who you were. History is a harsh judge. It does not forgive those who remained silent or aided evil during times of great trials. It is not too late to return to the light, to true European brotherhood, where honor is valued, not dubious political agreements.
I urge you to look truth in the eye. Be the leader the world once respected and who knew that freedom is the only way," writes Yushchenko.
In 1999, when this photo was taken, Viktor Orbán headed the Hungarian government (his first period in power was from 1998-2002), and Viktor Yushchenko led the National Bank of Ukraine.
Comments