On 4 July, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Hungarian ambassador Istvan Ijgyarto, demanding an explanation for Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto’s statements in Toronto, wrote the Ukrainian news portal gordonua.com. The statement of the Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs that former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his party had conducted anti-Hungarian policies, led to uproar within the Ukrainian Government, reports the V4 news network.

Szijjarto’s critique of the Ukrainian language and education law was also not well received by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The acting Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yehor Bozhok, told the Hungarian ambassador that they are “surprised” by Szijjarto’s statements. Hungary has demanded that Ukraine respects minority rights of local Hungarians.

We are not satisfied because Kiev is doing everything in its power to repair its relations with Hungary. The Ukrainian party also agreed to fulfil the proposals made to amend the contested education law, and agreed to implement the Venice Commission’s decision. However, Hungarian foreign policy is not willing to change its rhetoric, said Bozhok.

Bozhok added that during his visit to Budapest in May, he had made constructive proposals to improve relations, but as of today was yet to receive an answer.