The statements by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that the sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine are not effective against Russia are a classic example of Russian propaganda. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Mykolenko said this.

Nikolenko recalled that Orban made such statements on the second day after the Hungarian foreign minister's visit to Moscow, where he tried to negotiate for increased supplies of Russian gas.

"Sanctions have not shaken Russia - a classic example of Russian propaganda. The sanctions are effective, they have significantly reduced the ability of the Russian military machine to wage war against Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed.

The ministry spokesman also responded to Orban's call to stop providing weapons to Ukraine because it supposedly won't help defeat Russia.

"Providing Ukraine with weapons saves the lives of Ukrainians. If sanctions and weapons were ineffective, the Kremlin would not use huge resources to discredit them, would not try to stop them," he reminded the Hungarian prime minister.

Nicolenko emphasized that it is necessary to call things by their proper names - Europe found itself in economic crisis not because of sanctions but because of Russia's hybrid warfare. In addition, he reminded that Russia is shelling Ukraine with missiles, and is hitting Europe with gas prices.

"Turning a blind eye to Russia's crimes in Ukraine will not restore peace in Europe. Putin will not stop until he destroys the European order based on democratic values. It is useless to hope that concessions or bribes will encourage the Kremlin to quench its aggressive appetites," the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

The Foreign Ministry also responded to Orban's proposal to revise the European strategy towards Russia. Nikolenko said that Europe's strategy should be based on joint decisive actions and unity, which would help stop the war and hold Russia accountable for its crimes.