Ukraine seeks bilateral agreement with pro-Russian Hungary to advance NATO membership
Ukraine is negotiating a comprehensive document with Hungary to address challenges, seek backing for NATO membership, and prevent potential blockades to Zelenskyy's victory strategy.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 31 October ongoing preparations for a bilateral document between Ukraine and Hungary, aimed at resolving historical and contemporary misunderstandings, public broadcaster Suspilne reports.
Speaking in Zakarpattia Oblast, Zelenskyy emphasized the document’s potential to address complex issues, particularly focusing on minority rights and geopolitical challenges.
“We would very much like to have a bilateral document between Ukraine and Hungary,” he stated.
Official Hungary explains most hurdles it creates for Ukraine in the EU and NATO by alleged violations of the Hungarian minority rights by Ukraine. A recent European Commission report on 30 October positively noted Ukraine’s progress, particularly highlighting the country’s efforts regarding national minority rights.
A critical component of the negotiations involves Ukraine’s NATO membership. Zelenskyy explicitly requested that Hungary not block Ukraine’s NATO invitation.
“We don’t need support or votes, just non-blockade,” he explained.
Ukraine’s NATO invitation is one of five key points in Zelenskyy’s “victory plan,” which has received lukewarm Western support. At least seven NATO members, including Germany, the US, and Hungary, oppose Ukraine’s membership while the Russo-Ukrainian war is ongoing.
The Ukrainian President acknowledged Hungary as a potential obstacle to Ukraine’s victory plan but expressed optimism about overcoming such challenges.
“Ukrainians will pass through any blockade by Hungary,” Zelenskyy said.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently reiterated his stance against Ukraine’s victory plan, suggesting negotiations with Russia.
Zelenskyy also thanked Zakarpattia communities, bordering Hungary and having a significant ethnic Hungarian minority, for their support of the army and relocated businesses, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in these challenging times.
Related:
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