Ukraine cites 2023 coffee break as key to handling potential UN chief Orbán

Ukraine has a specific plan to manage Viktor Orbán if he becomes the United Nations secretary-general.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on reports that the US administration is backing Orbán for the role. Sybiha predicted that Orbán would use the veto power and blackmail skills he developed while blocking decisions in the European Union. He stated that Orbán would put these abilities to good use in the new position.

Sybiha proposed a strategy based on an incident from late 2023. During that EU summit, Orbán left the meeting room temporarily. This absence allowed other leaders to approve the start of accession talks with Ukraine without facing a Hungarian veto. Sybiha joked that Ukraine could share its experience of taking Orbán out for coffee at the right moment to neutralize his influence.

The suggestion comes as the Wall Street Journal reported that the US is promoting Orbán for the UN post. Washington expects to secure support from China and Russia for the appointment. In May, investigative journalists noted that figures in the MAGA wing of the Republican Party considered this move. They believed a UN role could shield Orbán from prosecution in Hungary.

Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi said Orbán is preparing to move to the US if legal action begins in Hungary. The former prime minister is currently a key figure in Budapest politics. His potential appointment would mark a major shift in international diplomacy.

Sybiha’s remarks were posted on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The comments offer a glimpse into how Kyiv views the potential transition of power at the UN.