Hungarian leaders commented on the overnight missile strike on the western Ukrainian city of Mukachevo on 21 August 2025, without explicitly naming Russia or condemning its actions. Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the attack, which struck the American-owned Flex factory, stressing instead that “efforts aimed at establishing peace and the negotiation process launched by President Trump must continue,” while avoiding any criticism of Moscow’s role in the strike.
Orban and Szijjarto focus on peace talks
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed the prime minister’s stance in a Facebook post, referring to “news from Ukraine this morning” as further proof of the urgency of peace, but without mentioning the Russian strike or identifying Russia as the aggressor. He emphasized that “everyone must make every effort to reach a peace agreement that will end the war as soon as possible.” His language, however, avoided acknowledging Russia’s responsibility for targeting Ukrainian regions, including Zakarpattia.
Fidesz communication stresses negotiations over condemnation
Tamas Menczer, communications director of the ruling Fidesz party, aligned with Orban and Szijjarto, also stressing that peace negotiations with Moscow remain paramount. In his own statement, Menczer described the missile attack only as “last night’s events,” avoiding mention of Russia’s role. “The events of last night do not prove that there is no need for peace talks. On the contrary, they prove that peace talks are more necessary than ever,” he wrote.
Ukrainian and European perspectives
Kyiv has criticized such statements as incomplete, stressing that calls for peace without acknowledging the aggressor risk legitimizing Russian aggression. Ukrainian officials underline that a just peace is only possible once Russian attacks stop and those responsible are held accountable. They argue that silence about Russia undermines solidarity with Ukraine and emboldens future strikes.
The European Union, meanwhile, continues to unequivocally condemn missile strikes on Ukraine and holds Russia solely responsible. The cautious tone from Budapest contrasts with the firm stance of other EU states, raising concerns that Hungary’s avoidance of direct blame weakens collective European security. The attack on Mukachevo once again highlighted that Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens not only Kyiv but also Europe as a whole, making clear and united positions essential to counter further escalation.
