“Secret” phone talk between Hungarian and Ukrainian foreign ministers revealed
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó is known for regularly sharing updates about his talks, travels, and work. However, he noticeably forgot to mention yesterday’s phone talk with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. This silence is especially intriguing given that their discussion touched on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, bilateral relations, and Kyiv’s path toward EU membership: a project Hungary officially opposes.
A “secret” phone talk between Szijjártó and Sybiha
According to the Turkish Anadolu News Agency, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Tuesday said that he held talks with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó on Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, bilateral relations, and Kyiv’s path toward EU membership.
“During our call, I informed Péter Szijjártó about Russia’s escalation of terror and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace efforts. We need the consolidated support of the international community to increase pressure on Russia and advance the peace process,” Sybiha said on Telegram.
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He noted that discussions covered the upcoming visit of Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka to Budapest and consultations on the rights of the Hungarian national minority. “Ukraine is ready to work on all bilateral issues in a mutually respectful manner,” he added.
EU accession talks must start ASAP
Sybiha stressed the need to open negotiation clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession talks “as soon as possible” and called on all EU member states to back the move. He also welcomed Hungary’s 10-year gas supply agreement with Shell, describing it as a “milestone step toward strengthening energy security for our region and all of Europe.”
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“The security of Ukraine and Europe is indivisible, and strengthening it is our shared interest. Pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two nations is key, and we propose that the Hungarian side work on it constructively,” he said.
Szijjártó met with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka in Budapest
Yesterday, seemingly after the phone talk, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister cancelled his visit to Budapest. Instead, Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó today at the Hungarian Foreign Ministry.
Szijjártó shared a video of their meeting on Facebook, emphasising Ukraine’s responsibility for the strained relationship between the two countries. While Hungary has made efforts to improve ties, such as establishing a Hungarian-Ukrainian bilingual school in Budapest, Ukraine has revoked language rights for local Hungarians and has repeatedly targeted critical energy infrastructure vital to Hungary. Furthermore, Ukraine’s actions risk dragging Hungary into the ongoing conflict.
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The Hungarian foreign minister stated that Hungary does not support Ukraine’s EU accession, as he believes it conflicts with Hungary’s economic and security interests. He expressed hope for better relations in the next decade but stressed that improving ties depends solely on Ukraine’s future actions.
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