‘Total failure by Ukraine’: Tompa explains Kyiv’s problems with Hungary’s new government

Tibor Tompa, head of Kyiv's Hungarian community, expressed frustration with Hungary's new government during an interview on Radio NV on September 24. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated he would not permit an oil storage facility for Ukraine to be constructed in Hungary, questioning whether this opposition stemmed from political or financial motives. Tompa dismissed this as a "total failure by Ukraine," attributing the issue to a lack of preparation and consultation with the Hungarian side.

Tompa noted that the memorandum was signed by Zsolt Hernádi, a former associate of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and one of Hungary's wealthiest individuals. He argued that the government should have been consulted before signing the agreement, highlighting a basic mistake on the Ukrainian side. Magyar has not expressed lasting offense regarding Hungary not being consulted, but Tompa emphasized the need for professional communication and the establishment of appropriate channels for good-neighborly relations.

Another issue discussed was the Carpathian Summit held on September 18 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. Magyar did not attend, citing lack of preparation and preparation issues on the Ukrainian side. Tompa stressed that Magyar was not prepared for the summit and that extensive groundwork was necessary. The interview concluded by highlighting Hungary's positive stance towards Ukraine, including unblocking 90 billion euros for Ukraine blocked by Orbán and lifting the block on certain EU progress, but ultimately attributing the problems to a lack of proper preparation and communication between the two nations.