There is notable mutual suspicion between Budapest and Kyiv, a sentiment acknowledged by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba in a conversation with Ukrinform, the local news agency. He described a climate in which both sides view the other with reserve, adding that this mistrust stems from a mix of historical and current circumstances that shape each country’s stance on shared matters.
Kuleba further explained that a recent exchange between Ukrainian and Hungarian delegations took place in the village of Uzhgorod in Ukraine’s Transcarpathian region. In that session, representatives from Kyiv and Budapest laid out their positions for their foreign counterparts and openly voiced their concerns about each other’s intentions. The dialogue underscored the need to acknowledge and address these mutual claims in order to avert misunderstandings and to pursue practical cooperation where possible.
The Ukrainian foreign policy chief stressed the importance of articulating the bilateral issues—both sides’ priorities and worries—in a direct, formal setting. He suggested that such candor is essential for building a framework in which real progress can occur while preserving national interests and security considerations on both sides of the border.
On January 30, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke about the conditions under which Budapest would support the European Union’s decision to provide €50 billion in aid to Ukraine. He indicated that Hungary would back the package only if the total amount is distributed in several installments and if Kiev and Brussels agree on annual tranche allocations. This stance highlights the leverage that continental funding conditions can exert on Ukraine’s reform timeline and policy choices, as viewed from Budapest’s perspective.
Earlier statements from Hungary also touched on the contemplation of transit issues, including the potential continuation of Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukrainian territory. Those remarks illustrate how energy security topics remain intertwined with political considerations, influencing how neighboring countries align with and respond to broader EU energy and sanctions policies.