The Office of the President of Ukraine announced that talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban may cover a broad spectrum of bilateral relations.
“Our relations encompass a wide spectrum and are not limited to national minority issues. We can discuss economic cooperation, transit between neighboring states, and more. We will thoroughly prepare for this visit, and our teams will work closely together,” stated Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine and Hungary had limited contact, but recent weeks have seen increased interactions. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s leader, known for his pro-Russian stance, has been hindering Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations.
Prime Minister Orban, known for his pro-Russian stance, has previously hindered Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations. However, on 14 December, Orban refrained from blocking a decision to initiate Ukraine’s EU accession talks despite having the capacity to do so. The next day, though, he vetoed €50 billion in EU financial support for Ukraine.
Read more:
- “Coffee break” diplomacy opens door for Ukraine, but Orbán vows handbrake ahead
- Orbán vetoes EU’s €50 bn Ukraine aid after EU open door to Ukraine’s membership
- Ukraine’s new NATO reform plan denies Hungary veto leverage