WARSAW

Poland's President Andrzej Duda has strongly criticized Hungary’s policy on the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine.

Speaking to TVN24 broadcaster on Sunday, Duda said that Hungary’s high dependence on Russian energy supplies has made Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cautious.

However, he added, it is hard to understand Hungary’s policies given the deaths of hundreds and thousands of civilians and the shelling of houses which is a war crime based on international law.

This policy will have consequences for Hungary, Duda said.

Stating that the proposed energy sanctions on Russia would drive up prices in the country, Hungary has opposed them.

The country has also refused to supply arms to Ukraine, and the use of its soil to transfer military equipment by other countries.

Russia’s war on Ukraine has been met with international outrage, with the European Union, US, and the UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,119 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,790 injured, according to estimates by the UN, which cautioned that the true figure is likely far higher.

More than 3.82 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with millions more displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency.

*Written and contributed by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara