Ukrainian president questions Hungary’s neutrality amid US-Russia peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced reservations about holding the previously agreed peace talks in Budapest, expressing skepticism over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s potential to positively contribute to Ukraine’s interests.

Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy remarked, “I do not believe that Budapest is the best venue for this meeting. Of course, if it can bring peace, then it does not matter in which country the meeting will take place. But I must note that I gave enough of my time to meet with Mr. Witkoff [US President’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff] in Paris so that his idea about Hungary was, let’s say, restrained,” Interfax-Ukraine reports.

The Ukrainian president highlighted alternative venues that he considers more suitable, citing “many different worthy options” including Switzerland, Austria, the Vatican, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye. He emphasized the focus should be on peace in Ukraine rather than the domestic politics of Hungary, stating, “Because we are talking about peace in Ukraine, not about elections in Hungary. I do not believe that the prime minister, who is blocking Ukraine everywhere, can do anything positive for Ukrainians or at least something balanced.”

Zelenskyy further addressed perceptions within the United States regarding the conflict’s trajectory, noting divergent views on Russia’s battlefield success. “It seems to me that among the people who constantly promote the idea of Russia’s supposedly unconditional advantages in this war, there is also the current prime minister of Hungary,” he said. “And when we talk about mediation, I do not believe that the current prime minister of Hungary has, let’s say, an adequate attitude to this.”

By Vafa Guliyeva