“The continued deterioration of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations benefits only one country – Russia”

Sergiy Solodkyy, Director of the New Europe Center, spoke to The Kyiv Independent about the deadlock in relations between Kyiv and Budapest under Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

Sergiy Solodkyy acknowledged that Magyar has become a disappointment for many in Ukraine, as the “anticipated reset has not materialized”. He also warned of the risks associated with confrontational communication: “Undiplomatic statements and public confrontations can acquire their own momentum and make future compromise more difficult”.

In his view, Ukraine also needs to exercise particular care in its diplomatic dialogue on issues sensitive to Hungary, since stable relations with Budapest remain important for Ukraine’s EU accession.

Overcoming the “ghost of Orbán” requires efforts from both sides: “Regardless of which side feels offended or believes itself to be right in a particular dispute, both will need to demonstrate strategic restraint”, Sergiy Solodkyy told The Kyiv Independent.

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