In his first trip to Hungary since the Russian invasion, President Zelenskyy refused Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s call for an immediate ceasefire and warned of North Korea’s direct involvement in war.
The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Hungary for the first time since Russia’s invasion. He attended the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Hungary on 7 November 2024. The visit was at the invitation of Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban whose country currently holds EU Council Presidency.
The timing of the announcement was especially significant, as it came just after Donald Trump‘s election victory in the US and amid mounting evidence that North Korea is directly involved in the war in Ukraine.
According to official summit documents, the summit brought together leaders of 42 European nations for a discussion on critical issues, including Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, the escalation of the Middle East, illegal immigration, and economic security. But tensions arose immediately when Zelenskyy presented Orban with two radically different visions of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A “different” European gathering
A correspondent for Deutsche Welle (DW), a German news agency, noted that the EU flags which had adorned Granada’s boulevards at the previous gathering were conspicuously absent. Visitors to Budapest’s Airport were welcomed by large photographs of children playing and proclamations welcoming visitors to “Hungary, a country of family values”. This was a statement about the political position of the host nation.
DW reported that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said upon her arrival: “This is a great opportunity to discuss all the issues which unite us.” The timing of the summit was crucial. It convened hours after Trump’s victory in the election and during the collapse of Germany’s governing coalition. This added layers of complexity to an already challenging diplomatic landscape.
Edi Rama of Albania, the designated host for the sixth EPC Summit, described the gathering as “a forum for countries with ‘E” without ‘U’- Europe without the Union,” highlighting its unique role in fostering a broader European dialog.
“This forum has an energy of its own.” Rama told DW that unlike other forums there is a much more free exchange of ideas and the opportunity to touch on dangerous topics.
Zelenskyy: North Korean threats and European response
The speech of President Zelenskyy, which was not broadcast on the official livestream by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as reported by RFE/RL, sent a strong message to his European colleagues. Zelenskyy spoke immediately after Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister’s opening remarks. He criticized what he considered dangerous appeasement language.
“And some of the people here strongly advocated that Ukraine make ‘concessions,’ to Putin.” This is unacceptable for Ukraine, and suicide for Europe as a whole,” Zelenskyy declared. He continued by using a sharp analogy: “Should Europe expect Kim Jong Un to be sympathetic and leave Europe alone?” No strong leader, who has helped to build a united and peaceful Europe, could imagine that.”
The Ukrainian president explained the North Korean threat and revealed an alarming development. “North Korea, in effect, is now waging war on Europe.” North Korean soldiers are trying to kill our people in Europe.
While Orban’s address and that of French President Emmanuel Macron were broadcasted, Zelenskyy’s remarks were not shown during the official broadcasting. Hungarian organizers claimed that the footage had been provided to the Ukrainian President’s team. However, Ukrainian officials confirmed that they had not requested any restrictions on broadcast.
The controversy over the cease-fire
One of the most controversial issues at the summit was around cease-fire proposal. Viktor Orban, who positioned himself as a “peace advocate” in contrast to those “who want to continue funding this war,” repeatedly called for immediate negotiations on a cease-fire.
Orban said at his closing press conference: “I’m in favor of a ceasefire that can give the warring parties the time and space to communicate and begin negotiating the peace.” “But we must stop killing each other right now. Then, we can discuss what constitutes a lasting, acceptable peace for all parties.” Orban said at his final press conference.
Zelenskyy responded in a clear and unambiguous manner. In his press conference after the summit, he explained that:
“There is a lot of dangerous rhetoric about a ceasefire. […] “First a ceasefire, then let’s see” is a frightening challenge for our citizens.
He said the 2014 ceasefire had led to an invasion of full scale, and that any new ceasefire without security assurances would only give Russia time to prepare further aggression.
He was blunt in his comments to DW:
Zelenskyy stated that a leader who proposes to ceasefire without security assurances is a windbag, and reminded the audience that the Hungarian prime minister actively opposes Ukraine joining NATO. “This is nonsense, and it creates disharmony. A ceasefire occurs when the warring states, especially the victims, know that they will have security assurances.”
Trump factor and peace prospects
The shadow of Trump’s election victory was a large part of the proceedings. Zelenskyy revealed that he spoke with the president elect, describing their conversation as “a good conversation, a productive conversation”, while remaining cautiously optimistic.
Zelenskyy, a journalist in Budapest, said: “I think that President Trump wants a fast decision.” “He wants it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that this will happen.
The Ukrainian leader weighed diplomatic courtesy against practical concerns: “If the process is too fast, Ukraine will lose.” I don’t know how it could be any other way. We may not understand or see certain things. This happens. He explained that “we need some time” and added, “We are at war with Russians. That’s a reality.” This is the most difficult opponent of this century.”
Hungary-Ukraine Relations: A Complex Dance
Zelenskyy revealed that the negotiations between Ukraine and Hungary had reached a deadlock over NATO membership.
Zelenskyy said that “clarity in agreements is important for us.” “There are minorities issues. We have done much, and the findings of the European Commission show that we are not concerned about this issue. We respect the Hungarian minorities in Ukraine. We will do anything to avoid any disputes between us. A bilateral agreement or treaty is about respecting each other and treating them as equals.
He stressed Ukraine’s desire to have constructive relations with Hungary. “Ukraine welcomes that the European Union has such a wonderful nation as Hungary, and that you are a member of NATO. You have historically suffered from Soviet pressure.” We are prepared to do whatever is necessary to resolve any issue between us.”
On the sidelines of Budapest’s summit, President Zelenskyy had a number of important bilateral meetings.
Zelenskyy discussed defense support and Victory Plan with French president Emmanuel Macron. With NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the focus was North Korea’s participation in the war. Zelenskyy pressed for a stronger Western reaction to Pyongyang’s role in war.
The Ukrainian leader met with the UK PM, where he stressed Ukraine’s need for weapons of long range and permission to use these against military targets in Russia.
After the summit, Zelenskyy continued to engage in diplomatic activities by having a telephone conversation with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, on 8th November. They discussed international efforts required to restore peace in Ukraine.
European Strategic Autonomy
The summit sparked intense discussion about Europe’s independence in terms of its strategic direction, especially in light the changing global dynamics. The Greek Prime Minister KyriakosMitsotakis summed up the sentiment: “We as Europeans must be realistic.” He told DW that we cannot approach transatlantic relationships from a weak position. “Europe cannot change world, but it is capable of changing itself to cope with the changes in the global.”
Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, offered a pragmatic assessment on the challenges that lie ahead. He focused in particular on Trump’s possible return to power. Rutte said that when Trump was president he encouraged NATO to spend more than 2% of GDP on defense. He also warned that a Russian victory would not only threaten Europe, but the United States.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, assured that European leaders will find “rational” ways to cooperate with America regardless of political changes. He stressed the EU’s dual strategy: strengthening relations with Washington, while also “wanting to master its own destiny.”
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