Ukraine-Hungary Diplomacy: A Clash Over Russia and Minority Rights

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto to discuss tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary's close economic ties with Russia have strained relations with NATO and the EU. The meeting addressed energy supplies, EU sanctions, and minority rights in western Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated he had a 'very frank one-on-one conversation' with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, on Monday, amidst ongoing discord provoked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary has disrupted its NATO and EU alliances by maintaining strong economic ties with Russia and refusing to supply arms to Ukraine.

Kyiv halted the flow of oil from Russia's Lukoil to Hungary and Slovakia in June, compelling Hungary's MOL to renegotiate supply terms through Belarus and Ukraine. At a joint press conference, Sybiha acknowledged Budapest's support for EU sanctions against Russia, affirming Kyiv's commitment to developing pragmatic and predictable relations with its neighbor.

However, Sybiha also expressed hope that Hungary would back 'Ukrainian initiatives' focused on reclaiming territories lost to Russia. Meanwhile, Szijjarto urged Ukraine to abstain from unilateral measures affecting Hungary's energy supply but assured no plans to limit gas flows or power exports to Ukraine. He also expressed Hungary's interest in participating in Ukraine's reconstruction and raised concerns about ethnic Hungarians' language rights in western Ukraine, which Kyiv denies restricting.

(With inputs from agencies.)