Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (R) in the Europa building prior the start of a meeting on June 27, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Orban made a…
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (R) in the Europa building prior the start of a meeting on June 27, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Orban made a surprise visit to Kyiv on July 2 to meet with Zelensky, one day after Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
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What We Know
According to Orbán’s spokesperson, Zoltan Kovacs, who confirmed Orbán was in Kyiv, the focus of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be on achieving peace and addressing issues in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations.
Orbán has criticized Ukraine for what Budapest describes as inadequate protections for the rights of its Hungarian minority, Politico reported.
Newsweek has reached out to a representative of the Ukrainian government via email for comment on the visit.
The visit follows an unofficial meeting between the two leaders on June 27. During the European Council summit in Brussels that day, Orbán and Zelensky were seen having what was described as an animated and frank discussion.
What’s Next
Orbán’s visit could signal a potential thaw in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, especially as Ukraine continues to push for EU membership and greater support from European allies. As Hungary holds the EU presidency for the next six months, its role could influence the bloc’s policies towards Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. Observers will be watching closely to see if this visit leads to any substantive changes in Hungary’s stance or EU policies.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source link : https://www.newsweek.com/putin-russia-ally-hungarian-prime-minister-viktor-orban-kyiv-talks-volodymyr-zelensky-urkraine-war-1920013
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Publish date : 2024-07-02 10:56:15
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