link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-ukraine-ministers-hold-frank-talks-amid-russia-strains-2024-09-30/
The September 30th meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha and Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto included discussion of economic ties between Russia and Hungary as well as Budapest’s reluctance to contribute aid to its neighbor. Hungary, though bordering Ukraine and a member of the EU and NATO, has failed to cut economic ties with Russia, in contrast with the actions of many other states involved in the two IGOs. During the meeting, Minister Sybiha emphasized Kyiv’s hopes that Hungary will reinforce “Ukrainian initiatives” for peace, as opposed to the Russian goal of ending the conflict with substantial territorial gains. In response, Minister Szijjarto highlighted Budapest’s hope that Ukraine will halt actions affecting Hungary’s energy supply (in reference to Kyiv’s June paralyzation of Lukoil’s oil flow, forcing Hungary to renegotiate oil supply through Ukraine and Belarus) but stated that there was no possibility of restricting power exports to Ukraine in response. The ministers highlighted their desire to work together in the stabilization and subsequent rebuilding of Ukraine in the wake of the conflict.
This article is important as it highlights Hungary’s strategic ambiguity as an ex-Soviet State and member of pro-western IGOs. In terms of Russia, Hungary has maintained economic ties; in terms of Ukraine, Hungary has followed a select few EU sanctions and renegotiated energy agreements. During the Cold War, Hungary was a Soviet satellite state and a founding member of the Warsaw Pact. Though Hungarian leadership condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion, relations between the two states remain friendly. I think that this can affect other state actors in the region, specifically Belarus and the EU. Though Ukraine is not a member of the EU, it is a candidate for inclusion. Hungary’s responsibility as an EU member is to align with the EU’s values, specifically economic sanctions placed on Russia. Hungary has failed to carry out these sanctions, and gone as far as to prevent the establishment of an oil embargo. I think Belarus may also be affected by Hungary’s cryptic actions, as an allied state with Russia on the border of Ukraine. Hungary has a strategic partnership with Belarus for energy, and therefore a sort of long lasting loyalty to Russia as it seems reluctant to once and for all ally with the West.
In class, we discussed the root causes of international events and levels of analysis. For this situation, the global level: Hungary is challenging the tenets of NATO, marking positive foreign policies regarding Russia in the current US dominated system. The regional level: Hungary is demonstrating strategic ambiguity in an effort to remain separate from the Russo-Ukraine conflict, promising to rebuild after the war. The domestic level: Hungary’s economy relies heavily on international trade, and Hungary depends on both states for access to energy and crude oil (Russia). Finally, Minister Szijjarto is focused on the protection of his people. His knowledge that NATO will come to his aid if Russia attacks is juxtaposed with his desire to maintain friendly relations with Russia.
UPDATE: According to an article published on the Hungarian Conservative, results are already occurring in terms of increased diplomacy between the states of Hungary and Ukraine. A new crossing point between the two countries was opened, and at a second crossing point, there was the addition of truck traffic at another point. Moreover, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs has indicated movement towards the growth of Ukrainian trade with the broader European continent, which would greatly benefit both the state and its relations with Hungary, as well as its economic state which can affect the conflict with Russia. Minister Szijjarto has emphasized the importance and influence of these developments for relations between the states and how both will be greatly benefited.(https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/current/hungary_ukraine_relations_border-crossing_agreement/)