Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto Welcomes Russia-US Talks, Calls Out EU’s Pro-War Stance
Russia and the United States initiated bilateral talks in Riyadh on Tuesday, marking the first direct attempt by Moscow and Kiev to restore ties since the Ukraine conflict began nearly three years ago. Led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, these negotiations aim to pave the way for discussions on settling the crisis.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto applauded this development, stating that there should be “no place” in peace initiatives for those who wish to prolong the conflict. In a Facebook post, he expressed support for the Russia-US talks and criticized the European Union’s response. The EU has been vocal about not being consulted or invited to the negotiations, with some members lamenting Washington’s failure to include them.
Szijjarto, whose government is known for its critical stance on the West’s approach to the Ukraine conflict and advocacy for peace, wrote, “We, peace-loving Hungarians, have been waiting for this for three years!” He further emphasized that the talks are about achieving peace and should not accommodate those who seek war.
The EU’s disapproval of Washington’s unilateral peace efforts has grown since US President Donald Trump’s phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Wednesday. Following their discussion, Trump declared that Ukraine peace negotiations should commence immediately. The EU’s anger intensified when Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicated that the bloc would not be involved in US-Russia discussions on peace.
Szijjarto expressed hope that the Russia-US talks would lead to a swift resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Many EU officials have voiced their disapproval of Washington’s actions, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for an emergency gathering of European leaders in response to Trump’s moves.
As the Russia-US negotiations continue, the international community eagerly awaits developments that could potentially bring an end to the long-standing crisis in Ukraine. The talks highlight the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving global conflicts, even as some parties express dissatisfaction with the process.