Ukraine ends policy of diplomatic passivity with Hungary, Sybiha says

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated this in an interview with European Pravda, Ukrinform reports.

"The period of diplomatic 'non-noticing' is over. We will respond decisively to any unfriendly actions toward our country, our people, and the state leadership. Therefore, my statements are a reflection and a response to unfriendly steps by the Hungarian side. Things must be called by their proper names," he said.

He also emphasized that the Ukrainian side is categorically opposed to the anti-Ukrainian rhetoric voiced during the election process in Hungary and to attempts to involve Ukraine in Hungary's domestic political discourse. "Instead, we see that we are being artificially made a factor in the election campaign," he stated.

Commenting on the latest unfriendly statements by his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Sybiha noted that "we are not going to react to every piece of nonsense or give in to Hungarian provocations."

"This will not happen. We have dotted the i's in our position, and I see no need for further public exchanges of diplomatic jabs. However, if unfriendly acts or steps toward Ukraine continue, we reserve the right to act proportionately," he said.

As Ukrinform reported, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban instructed that Ukraine's ambassador, Fedor Shandor, be summoned over alleged threats to parliamentary elections.