Ukraine and Hungary prepare bilateral document to streamline state conflicts and address NATO accession – Zelensky

Ukraine and Hungary are preparing a bilateral document that aims to streamline the resolution of any issues arising between the two states. The document also includes a provision regarding Ukraine's potential membership in NATO.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this at a meeting with the heads of communities and districts in the Zakarpattia region [Transcarpathia – ed.].

"Today, because of your hard work and the connections you have built with Hungary, I believe we can significantly contribute. This contribution is geopolitical and part of our domestic plan to improve our relationships with neighboring countries. It is important that this contribution is productive, so your dialogue with the Hungarian people is crucial," he said.

Zelensky emphasized that Hungary is one of those that can partially block Ukraine's victory plan.

According to the president, Ukrainians will pass any blockade of Hungary. But, as the head of state noted, "I want Ukraine to go to victory without blockades from its neighbors, but on the contrary with their help."

"Today, we are preparing a bilateral document. We strongly desire to have one between Ukraine and Hungary. It will cover various matters to address any current, future, historical, and past misunderstandings or challenges. This will prevent the issue of minorities from arising," Zelensky said.

According to him, the bilateral dialogue and the document address the issue of security, namely Ukraine's accession to NATO. Ukraine asks Hungary not to block the Alliance's invitation.

"That is, not to support, not to vote for us, not to block. Today, this clause is in our proposals; we would really like Hungary not to block even such a clause.

It is essential for us," the president added.

For reference:

Hungary is among the few European Union countries blocking Ukraine's attempt to join the EU. It's worth mentioning that when the European Commission officially suggested that EU nations begin negotiations for Ukraine to join the EU, Hungarian officials made loud statements.

• Katalin Novak stated that there cannot be relations between Hungary and Russia that would undermine Budapest's commitments to NATO,
• According to Hungary's Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Szijjártó, Ukraine is not qualified for EU membership until peace is established in the country.

Subsequently, the Hungarian government also threatened to block the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, claiming that the rights of Hungarians in Ukraine were being violated.

In addition, Budapest blocks financial aid to Ukraine. As a result, Hungary has chosen to delay the final verdict on providing a 50 billion dollar loan to Ukraine until after the US presidential elections. Budapest has also put off a ruling on the extension of EU sanctions on Russia.

In addition, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized Ukraine's victory plan.