Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Szijjarto has expressed his willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the town of Berehove, located in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region. This announcement comes after a conversation between the two leaders during a European Council meeting on June 18.
Szijjarto emphasized his preference for Berehove as the meeting location, stating, “I would be happy if this meeting took place in the wonderful city of Berehove.” He reiterated the name of the town in Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian, indicating his enthusiasm for the proposed venue. Zelensky, however, has suggested alternative locations.
Despite the differing preferences, Szijjarto assured that the meeting will take place, noting, “We have discussed with all member states and our neighbors the importance of establishing good, balanced relations.” He mentioned several potential cities for the meeting, including Kyiv, Budapest, Lviv, and Berehove, while downplaying the significance of the chosen location.
On the topic of Ukraine’s European integration, Szijjarto pointed out that the recent European Council communiqué did not specify a timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. He acknowledged Zelensky’s urgency for swift integration but noted that no concrete dates were provided by EU member states, the European Commission, or the Council presidency.
He reiterated Hungary’s stance that EU accession negotiations should be based on effectiveness and merit, emphasizing the need for a fair process.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Szijjarto has proposed Berehove as the meeting location with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following discussions at a European Council meeting. The two leaders aim to foster better relations, while Szijjarto highlighted the lack of a specific timeline for Ukraine's EU membership.
Source: RBK-Ukraine