Hungary suggests hosting Russia-Ukraine discussions
Date
7/21/2024 5:18:31 AM
(MENAFN) Hungary has extended an offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as part of an ongoing effort to mediate the conflict between the two nations. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced this willingness, reflecting Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent diplomatic mission, which saw him visit Ukraine, Russia, China, and the US to seek an end to the hostilities.
In a recent interview with RIA Novosti, Szijjarto recounted Hungary's early attempts to facilitate peace negotiations shortly after the conflict erupted in February 2022. Budapest reached out to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Andrey Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, proposing Hungary as a neutral venue for direct talks. Szijjarto reiterated Hungary's readiness to provide a platform where both parties would have equal conditions, security, and opportunities. He emphasized that Hungary's stance remains unchanged, signaling their continued availability to support peace efforts.
This announcement comes on the heels of Orban's recent foreign policy tour, aimed at promoting dialogue and peace. Orban met with leaders from Ukraine, Russia, China, and Türkiye, advocating for a ceasefire in the conflict. However, his appeals were met with rejection from Zelensky, who argued that Orban lacks sufficient influence to broker a meaningful peace agreement. Orban's initiatives have sparked significant backlash from Western officials, with the European Parliament dismissing his efforts as "irrelevant" and a "blatant violation" of the European Union's treaties and common foreign policy. The European Union maintains that any discussions regarding Ukraine's future must include Kyiv as a central participant.
Orban's mediation attempts highlight the complex dynamics and varying perspectives within the international community on how to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Hungary's offer demonstrates a willingness to facilitate dialogue, the broader geopolitical landscape and the responses from key stakeholders underscore the challenges of achieving a consensus and effective mediation.
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