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PM Orbán: Hungary shares EU stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict

The prime minister assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Hungary’s continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán talked to European Council President Charles Michel on Monday, and said Hungary shared the stance of the European Union on the conflict unfolding between Ukraine and Russia. Talks between the leaders are ongoing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced late on Monday that Russia acknowledged two separatist regions of Ukraine as the sovereign “Republic of Donetsk” and the “Republic of Luhansk”. He ordered Russian troops to enter the regions on “peacekeeping missions” later on Monday.

In a phone call on Tuesday, PM Orbán assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Hungary’s continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Orbán said that as part of the European coordinated response, Hungary will support the European Union’s joint efforts to settle the conflict.

Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said “we have to hope beyond hope for a diplomatic solution.” Brussels has ramped up preparations to impose sanctions on Russia in the wake of Monday’s events, Minister Szijjártó said on Facebook. There are ongoing talks on possible steps forward, he said. “Hungary has never broken ranks with the EU on this issue. At the same time, we must not give up hope of a diplomatic solution,” he said.

Photo credit: Facebook/Orbán Viktor