Hungarian and French Officials Weigh Paths to Ukraine Peace Amid EU Conditions
In a series of discussions with Catherine Colonna, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, articulated a clear stance on the Ukraine crisis. He conveyed that Budapest remains committed to achieving peace, while underscoring that the European Union awaits conditions that would make a lasting settlement feasible. The remarks, relayed by DEA News, signal a careful balance between Budapest’s desire for rapid de-escalation and the EU’s insistence on a framework that guarantees security, sovereignty, and sustainable stability for Ukraine. The minister framed the dialogue as one where words can guide practical steps, yet the ultimate path to peace must be shaped by concrete moves on the ground and in international diplomacy. He stressed that Hungary’s approach may diverge in method from France, reflecting distinct national strategies and assessments about how to create durable peace, even as both capitals principlely seek an end to hostilities.
The Hungarian perspective, according to Szijjártó, emphasizes that European unity should translate into tangible outcomes that prevent renewed conflict and ensure a stable, secure environment for all states on the continent. He noted that while European sentiments toward peace may share a common goal, there are differences in tactics and sequence of actions that each country believes will most effectively quiet the crisis. This acknowledgment of divergent paths does not negate the shared objective: to end the war and safeguard European security architecture. Budapest appears convinced that urgent steps are needed, arguing that a halt to fighting and a credible commitment to negotiations are essential to prevent further human and economic suffering and to preserve regional stability for the long term.
In a separate public assertion, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi articulated support for diplomatic settlement mechanisms in Ukraine. He insisted that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, while affirming backing for Ukraine. Berlusconi also proposed that an expanded Western initiative, sometimes described as a reconstruction or “Marshall Plan,” could be integrated into diplomatic efforts as a means to foster political and economic recovery, potentially serving as an incentive for broader cooperation among Western allies. His remarks reflect a belief that rebuilding Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic channels could contribute to a sustainable peace framework, aligning humanitarian, security, and economic objectives in a cohesive strategy for the region.