Peter Szijjártó, who heads Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, has framed Budapest’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an effort to prevent further loss of life among Hungarians in Transcarpathia. He noted that Kyiv is mobilizing its forces, a development he said underscores the urgency of achieving peace. The remarks were reported by TASS.
According to Szijjártó, Hungary’s approach stands out within the European Union because the government prioritizes an immediate end to the fighting. He argued that this stance grows from Hungary’s particular circumstances, notably the presence of a substantial Hungarian community in Ukraine and the fact that some community members have been affected by mobilization and casualties.
“We don’t want to lose any more Hungarian lives”, Szijjártó asserted, tying the protective motive directly to the safety of Hungarians living outside the country’s borders. He also pointed to Hungary’s broader diplomatic record, suggesting that Budapest has consistently supported efforts to deescalate the war and seeks a rapid resolution that would spare civilian harm and stabilize the region.
Before emphasizing this line of thought, the Hungarian foreign minister had highlighted Hungary’s reported success in contributing to a European approach toward ending the conflict in Ukraine. He claimed that Hungary is among a handful of EU members that has remained constructive and effective in pursuing a path to peace, a stance he said resonates with other non-European partners as well, who are watching closely how the bloc handles the crisis.
Szijjártó indicated that Hungary’s stance has attracted attention from partners across Asia and Africa, who regularly ask when the Ukrainian crisis might conclude and what concrete steps the European Union intends to take to safeguard peace and stability in the region. The aim, he implied, is for the EU to present a coherent, action-oriented strategy that could be emulated by other nations facing similar security concerns.
In the broader diplomatic timeline, renewed discussions about security guarantees for Kyiv have circulated among the United States and Ukraine, signaling ongoing negotiations about how to secure assurances that could prevent a relapse into wider confrontation. The Hungarian remarks contribute to a larger debate about how Europe can balance deterrence, humanitarian considerations, and the urgency of a diplomatic solution, while keeping in mind the diverse priorities of member states and their regional partners. (Source: TASS)