Hungary's FM urges EU politicians to prepare for intense peace efforts
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According to the top diplomat, the criticism Hungary faced this week indicated that the crisis in the EU is exacerbated by politicians who are providing Ukraine with weapons, considering sending troops there, and discussing nuclear weapons.
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Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto talks to the media during a press conference after a meeting with his Cyprus' counterpart Constantinos Kombos at the foreign house in capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Sunday hinted that European politicians should prepare for Hungary's forthcoming actions aimed at promoting peace, advising them to "buckle up" for of what lies ahead.
"We are not deterred or discouraged by these attacks [by the EU officials]. The peace mission continues and even intensifies, so I suggest that European pro-war politicians buckle up and follow closely next week as well," Szijjarto said in a video address on his social media.
The criticism Hungary faced this week indicated that the crisis in the EU is exacerbated by politicians who are providing Ukraine with weapons, considering sending troops there, and discussing nuclear weapons, he noted.
Hungary's presidency of the EU Council will focus on the country's peace mission, Szijjarto added, noting that Budapest is committed to ending the Ukrainian conflict and pulling Europe out of its "suffocating military crisis."
Read more: Hungary's Orban says EU wants war with Russia, dragging Europe with it
On July 1st, Hungary took over the EU's rotating presidency, agitating top EU and NATO officials, such as Ursula von der Leyen, Josep Borrell, and Jens Stoltenberg.
Hungary will hold a six-month presidency of the EU, in which it will garner sway over the European bloc's agenda and priorities.
Putin, Orban discuss Ukraine
On July 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a meeting that angered other EU member states and the Ukrainian government.
The two leaders discussed various issues, however, headlining the talks is the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Generally, the EU has boycotted Russian government officials and on this occasion said that Orban threatened to undermine the 27-member bloc's stance on the conflict.
On his part, the Russian President emphasized the positive nature of the talks, saying he hopes that the two parties will have "the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations in this difficult situation."
Putin also said that he looks forward to "talk about the prospects of the largest European crisis, I mean in the Ukrainian direction."
"I am ready to discuss [a peaceful settlement to the conflict] with you and explain some of the nuances. I hope you will also introduce me to your position and that of your European partners," Putin was quoted as saying.
