“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.”