Ukraine’s head of Foreign Ministry urges action: End 'Orban blockade' as well
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha at a forum in Türkiye (Photo: Facebook/Andrij Sybiha)
Ukraine is calling for the immediate lifting of the Orbán blockade to unlock critically needed finances to support our state. New opportunities for Europe and Ukraine have opened up following the elections in Hungary, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Facebook, following the first day of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.
During talks with the ministers of Austria, Iceland, and Luxembourg, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for swift steps. The priority is to receive aid and increase pressure on the aggressor.
"I exchanged views with European colleagues: the foreign ministers of Austria, Iceland, and Luxembourg. Everyone notes the opportunities for strengthening Europe that have opened up after the elections in Hungary. We discussed the swiftest possible unblocking of critically important decisions: €90 billion, the 20th sanctions package, the opening of 6 negotiation clusters," Sybiha reported.
The minister called on European partners to be decisive. The time for procrastination is over.
"It is time to lift not only the Hormuz blockade but also the Orbán blockade. This will benefit everyone," the head of the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The country's top diplomat assured that Ukraine is no longer just a recipient of aid. Now we are becoming a key security partner in the world. This is especially evident after successful operations in the Gulf and increased contacts with Middle Eastern countries.
What Ukrainian and Turkish diplomats agreed on
Naturally, issues of Ukrainian-Turkish relations were raised during the forum. The main results of the talks with Türkiye:
- Discussion of joint projects in defense and energy;
- Implementation of agreements between Zelenskyy and Erdoğan;
- Possible organization of a meeting of leaders in Türkiye to bring peace closer;
- Development of a trilateral Ukraine-Syria-Türkiye format for new logistical routes.
Sybiha noted that the Ukrainian defense industry is currently generating enormous interest. Our technologies make Ukraine attractive to Gulf countries, and this is a new level of agency.
Diplomatic offensive on all continents
The Antalya Forum became a platform for a global hunt for new allies. Sybiha held dozens of meetings with representatives from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
At a meeting with representatives of Somalia, respect for territorial integrity and the deepening of diplomatic relations with Ukraine were confirmed. El Salvador was invited to join the coalition for the return of Ukrainian children. With Egypt, they discussed trade and stability in the Middle East.
Botswana and Bangladesh: first steps toward major joint economic projects.
Separately, the minister highlighted meetings with the leaders of Moldova and Kazakhstan, as well as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. All of them are working to strengthen Kyiv's position.
What is known about unblocking the loan for Ukraine
Next week, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The 20th sanctions package against Russia will also be considered.
However, the election victory in Hungary of the leader of the Tisza party, Péter Magyar, does not automatically mean the unblocking of the EU loan to Ukraine. The future prime minister has set his own conditions.
Meanwhile, Slovakia has immediately agreed to stop blocking the loan to Ukraine. However, it will block anti-Russian sanctions until the Druzhba pipeline is operational.
