Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó announced plans to hold a meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Kuleba in Uzhgorod on January 29, a development reported by the television channel ATVs. The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts to address the broader ties between Hungary and Ukraine and to map out potential steps on the diplomatic front.
During the visit, Szijjártó signaled that preparations for a broader dialogue between Budapest and Kyiv would be on the agenda. The focus would extend beyond the bilateral talks to include discussions about how a potential high-level engagement could influence the broader regional situation and contribute to stabilizing regional cooperation.
In his remarks, the Hungarian minister stated that, if all elements align, January 29 could serve as a concrete date for meeting Kuleba in Uzhgorod to assess whether a senior-level encounter might positively affect the ongoing crisis management and dialogue between the two governments.
Levente Magyar, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Hungary, noted that a meeting between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had been contemplated. However, Magyar emphasized that the timing for such a summit had not yet arrived, underscoring the careful sequencing of high-stakes diplomacy by Budapest.
Magyar added that in the lead-up to any potential top-tier engagement, Budapest seeks to establish clear mechanisms for resolving the current tensions. The emphasis is on laying groundwork that can sustain progress once both sides are ready to move forward, ensuring any high-level discussion rests on a solid procedural framework and practical, verifiable steps.
Earlier reports from Zelensky had mentioned a potential meeting with Orban during a visit to Argentina, highlighting the mutual interest in advancing conversations at the highest levels. The evolving narrative suggests that both sides are weighing options for intensified talks while keeping channels open for direct, constructive exchanges that can help de-escalate tensions and clarify shared priorities for regional stability.