Ukraine, Hungary summon each other’s envoys over election dispute

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer to protest Budapest’s recent claims that Kyiv allegedly interfered in Hungary’s parliamentary elections.

On January 27, Hungary’s Foreign Ministry called in the Ukrainian ambassador in Budapest over alleged attempts by Kyiv to influence the vote in favour of the opposition party Tisza, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the ministry, Ukraine categorically opposes involvement in a neighbouring country’s election campaign and urged Hungary to stop aggressive anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to prevent harm to bilateral relations.

The ministry also reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to constructive cooperation with Hungary and highlighted the importance of unblocking EU accession negotiations.

In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó wrote on Facebook that he was not surprised by the Ukrainian summons and statements. 

“They again criticised that, as part of a national petition, the Hungarian people will express their opinion on the Brussels-Kyiv plan to use Hungarian funds to support and arm Ukraine,” Szijjártó said.

He also criticised Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for making sharp remarks about Viktor Orbán and accused the Ukrainian Foreign Minister of “behaving like Hitler.” 

Szijjártó warned that, based on discussions with the Hungarian ambassador, the Ukrainians will continue to openly and bluntly interfere in the April elections in favour of the Tisza party, but added that Hungary will defend its sovereignty and prevent external influence on the election outcome.

By Jeyhun Aghazada