Magyar said that Hungary will continue buying oil from Russia and will not approve an EU loan to Ukraine

Péter Magyar, the leader of Hungary’s Tisza party, which won the election, said that Budapest will continue buying Russian oil, will not take part in granting a European Union loan to Ukraine, and does not support Ukraine’s fast-tracked accession to the EU.

He made the statement in his first lengthy speech after the election.

Magyar spoke out against Ukraine’s accelerated entry into the European Union and expressed hope that the EU would lift sanctions on Russia after the war. In his view, Ukraine’s EU membership is not a matter for the next 10 years.

“From the very beginning, we have said that we do not support Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the EU. First of all, we are talking about a country that is at war. It is absurd to admit into the European Union a state that is fighting a war. Moreover, it is impossible to properly conduct negotiations and discuss all the many stages of the negotiation process, so right now this has no real relevance. Based on the consultations I have held, most EU member states do not consider this a realistic scenario either. They hold the same position as I do: all candidates must go through the same procedure, the same process, and complete negotiations at every stage. We have also stated that even if Ukraine goes through this process, a referendum will be held in Hungary on the issue of its accession to the EU. But in my view, this is not a matter for the near future, or even for the next ten years,” Magyar said.

He also noted the need to resolve the issue of the rights of ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine.

“We seek allied and friendly relations with all neighboring countries. Hungary is surrounded by Hungarians; for example, many Hungarians live in Ukraine. Our historic cities are there. Disputed issues need to be resolved… I would like to resolve the issue of the language law concerning the interests of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. It is not such a great demand that Hungarians living there should be able to use their native language,” he said.

In his speech, the politician also touched on the subject of achieving peace in Ukraine.

“Ukraine is the victim of this war. Everyone knows that. No one should tell Ukraine on what terms it must make peace or sign a peace agreement. We cannot ask any country to give up its territory. If they do so, they will be considered traitors. If Vladimir Putin calls, I will pick up the phone. I do not think it will come to that. I will not call him myself, but if we do speak, I will be able to tell him that, please, after four years it is time to stop the killing and end this war. I do not think he would end the war because of my advice. I very much hope that he will be forced to do so,” Magyar said.

He also expressed readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“I am ready to meet with Zelensky. For example, on the sidelines of the European Council,” the politician said.

Earlier, Magyar had already expressed willingness to hold talks with Putin, particularly regarding energy supplies.

As a reminder, Politico previously wrote that Magyar does not have especially warm feelings toward Ukraine, opposes supplying it with weapons, and is against its accession to the EU.