While most European countries firmly back Ukraine, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is seen as having comparatively close ties to Russia, prompting a war of words with Poland.

While most European countries firmly back Ukraine, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is seen as having comparatively close ties to Russia, prompting a war of words with Poland.

A diplomatic spat has erupted between Poland and Hungary that lays bare the deep tensions within Europe over how to deal with Russia as it continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Poland, like Germany, France and most other European nations, is a staunch ally of Ukraine while Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is widely considered to have the warmest relations with the Kremlin among EU leaders.

The Polish government has been openly critical of Hungary for its stance, with their spat reaching a new boiling point when Orbán lashed out at Poland at the weekend.