In a speech to the E.U., Zelensky singles out Hungary over sanctions.

BRUSSELS — In one other impassioned speech to European Union leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine referred to as on Hungary to clarify whether or not it supported Russia or Ukraine within the rising battle over its neighbor.

The chief, who was patched in through video hyperlink from his embattled capital, spoke to the 27 European leaders on Thursday. The speech, a replica of which was launched Friday, got here quickly after President Biden left that assembly and was one more try by Mr. Zelensky to keep up momentum amongst his allies.

“Lithuania stands for us. Latvia stands for us. Estonia stands for us. Poland stands for us. France — Emmanuel, I actually consider that you’ll stand for us,” he mentioned, referring to President Emmanuel Macron of France.

“Germany … a bit of later,” he added.

However he stopped at Hungary, whose chief, Viktor Orban, faces an election subsequent month and has been caught between his obvious help for Western allies’ positions on sanctions and his shut hyperlinks to Russia and President Vladimir V. Putin.

“Hungary … I wish to cease right here and be trustworthy. As soon as and for all. It’s important to resolve for your self who you’re with,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned.

Then, he turned private. “Pay attention, Viktor, are you aware what’s happening in Mariupol?” he mentioned, addressing Mr. Orban immediately and referencing the embattled japanese Ukrainian metropolis the place brutal Russian assaults have killed a whole lot and a blockade has pressured residents to flee or conceal, typically with out meals or water.

Hungary has resisted some sanctions, particularly towards Russian vitality, but it surely has not been alone. Germany and different nations are resisting such a transfer on the grounds that it might harm European economies disproportionately.

In a video posted to social media on Friday morning, Mr. Orban rejected supporting sanctions on Russian vitality.

Given Hungary’s dependence on Russian vitality, the prime minister mentioned, “sanctions would imply Hungary’s economic system would shortly decelerate and cease.”

“That is unacceptable. It’s opposite to the pursuits of Hungarians,” Mr. Orban mentioned.

Benjamin Novak contributed reporting.