Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer over recent statements by Hungary’s leadership alleging Kyiv interfered in Hungary’s parliamentary elections. The diplomat was told that Ukraine is categorically opposed to being drawn by the Hungarian side into Hungary’s election campaign, which “blatantly harms the development of bilateral relations,” the ministry said Wednesday, January 28.
“The Hungarian side was urged to stop aggressive anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to avoid negative consequences for relations between the two neighboring countries,” the statement said. Kyiv also reiterated its readiness to develop constructive cooperation with Hungary. The ministry again called on Budapest to lift its veto on the European Union’s decision to open accession talks with Ukraine, which “would serve the interests of both peoples and the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.”
The government in Budapest accuses Ukraine of backing the opposition ahead of April’s parliamentary vote.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto wrote on Facebook that Ukrainians continue “open and gross interference” in favor of the opposition Respect and Freedom party (TISZA).
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, is facing his strongest challenger yet.
Polls show Peter Magyar’s center-right TISZA party leading Orban’s right-wing nationalist Fidesz.
