During his visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán requested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy consider implementing a time-bound ceasefire regarding Russia’s war with Kyiv. Orbán, whose country currently holds the EU rotating presidency, arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday morning.
At a joint press conference following their talks the Hungarian premier expressed his gratitude to President Zelenskyy for the invitation. The Hungarian PM stressed that his first trip after assuming the EU Presidency was to Ukraine, highlighting the significance of peace not only in Ukraine but also across Europe. He added that the war Ukrainians were enduring profoundly impacts European security.
In the framework of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, my first trip took me to Kyiv today, as the issue of peace is important not only for the security of Ukraine, but for the security of Europe as a whole. #HU24EU @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/P35J04At7B
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 2, 2024
Orbán expressed his appreciation for the peace initiatives undertaken by the President Zelenskyy but shared his concern that these initiatives are progressing too slowly. ‘The rules of international diplomacy are slow and complicated. I have asked the President to consider whether
reversing the order—a quick ceasefire followed by accelerated peace talks—might be possible.
I have explored the possibilities of this approach,’ he said.
He expressed gratitude for the frankness of their discussions and the answers provided. He also indicated that he would prepare a report on the talks for the European Council, which would form the basis for necessary European decisions. PM Orbán wished Ukraine every success and promised that during Hungary’s EU presidency, they would be at Ukraine’s disposal to provide assistance in any way possible.
Constructive Talks on Hungarian–Ukrainian Relations
Speaking about relations between Hungary and Ukraine, Orbán emphasized that he had arrived in Kyiv with the intention of advancing bilateral relations. The Hungarian PM described the talks on bilateral issues as constructive, noting that it was high time for such a meeting to take place, given the numerous issues that need to be resolved and have been the subject of much discussion and debate in recent years.
He stated that he would like relations between the two countries to be significantly improved and, therefore, Hungary seeks to conclude
a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Ukraine,
similar to those it has already established with other neighbouring countries.
Regarding the contentious issues between the two countries, President Zelenskyy announced at the press conference that he and PM Orbán had agreed to develop a bilateral agreement to resolve these problems. ‘Everything we discussed today will serve as a basis for a future bilateral document between our states, which will regulate all aspects of our relations and be mutually beneficial for both countries,’ Zelenskyy said. He also suggested opening a Ukrainian school in Hungary for Ukrainian children living there, an initiative that Viktor Orbán expressed his support for.
Orbán mentioned that Ukrainian communities had been living in Hungary before the war and that a Ukrainian self-government exists. However, due to the high number of refugees, the size of the community has significantly increased. ‘These families need to be looked after; they need work, a livelihood, and security. Additionally, the children require good schools and qualified teachers,’ he added.
Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on X, thanking Hungary for participating in the Peace Summit in Switzerland back in June, and supporting its final declaration.
I welcome Hungary’s Prime Minister @PM_ViktorOrban on his first visit to Ukraine in 12 years.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 2, 2024
Today, we will discuss ways to bring a just and lasting peace closer. I thank Hungary for attending the Peace Summit and supporting its final communiqué. Our work in this format truly… pic.twitter.com/eLMfeC8hUn
Viktor Orbán visited Ukraine for the first time in twelve years. A potential visit had been widely discussed in both the Ukrainian and Hungarian press earlier this year as well. Experts suggest that Hungary’s EU presidency strengthens its negotiating position on the rights of Hungarian minorities. ‘There is no doubt that this is a favourable position. The Prime Minister’s tactical sense is unquestionable,’ Hungarian security policy expert István Gyarmati pointed out to Magyar Nemzet.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also reacted to Viktor Orbán’s visit to Kyiv. ‘We don’t expect anything. Probably, it is not for us to comment on this. It is clear that Hungary, which began to chair this period in the European Union, of course, must perform its functions,’ Peskov said. He added that Moscow is well aware of Viktor Orbán’s reputation for staunchly defending his country’s interests.
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