Hungary pushes for ceasefire in Ukraine, offers economic support
Hungary aims to sign a broad cooperation agreement with Ukraine. It believes that a ceasefire by Ukraine in the conflict with Russia could expedite peace negotiations, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Tuesday in Kyiv. He did not rule out his country participating in the "modernization" of Ukraine's economy.
During a press conference following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Orbán expressed his belief that the pace of peace talks could significantly accelerate if frontline fighting was halted.
"I expressed my belief that President Zelensky's peace initiatives might take a long time due to the complex rules of international diplomacy. Therefore, I suggested to the president that he consider an alternative strategy: a ceasefire, followed by negotiations with Russia. I believe such a step could significantly speed up the talks," said Orbán, quoted by the portal European Truth.
The Hungarian prime minister desired to improve relations between the two countries. "We want to build strong relations between our countries, and we want to sign a global cooperation agreement with Ukraine, similar to agreements we have with other neighbouring countries," said Orbán.
The Hungarian prime minister also declared that his country is ready to support the modernization of the Ukrainian economy and intends to help Ukraine during its presidency of the EU Council. "I wish Ukraine all the best, and I assure you that during our presidency, we will do everything in our power to support you," emphasized Orbán.
Zelensky announces the creation of a special document
President Zelensky, in turn, expressed the belief that dialogue with Orbán could become the basis for a future document regulating relations between Kyiv and Budapest.
"The content of our dialogue today on all issues can become the basis for a bilateral document between our states. The document will regulate all our relations, which can be based on a mirrored approach to bilateral relations between Ukraine and Hungary, allowing our peoples to enjoy all the benefits of European unity," said Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president said he discussed many issues with Orbán, including trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure, and energy. Zelensky emphasized that they discussed everything that concerns the lives of citizens in both countries, both in Ukraine and in Hungary.
They even touched on the issue of opening a Ukrainian school in Hungary, which would be the first such instance. Zelensky added that the Hungarian prime minister assured him of his support for this project.
On Monday in Brussels, the head of the Hungarian government assumed the presidency of the EU Council from Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. The Hungarian presidency will last until Poland takes over at the end of the year.
The Hungarian presidency's priorities include supporting the European defence industry and joint public procurement in defence, developing external partnerships to counteract illegal immigration, and a strategic debate on the future of cohesion policy.
Problems in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations
Hungary has long been criticized for its close ties with Russia and for blocking Western aid to Ukraine. Additionally, Orbán's government maintains close political and economic relations with China, viewed as the only true ally of the Middle Kingdom in the entire EU.
One issue in Hungary's relations with Ukraine is the approximately 100,000-strong Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region.
Budapest demands that Kyiv restore the provisions before 2017, before the enactment of the educational law, which, according to Orbán's government, negatively impacts the Hungarian minority. In 2012, the Hungarian language also lost its status as a regional language in Zakarpattia.
