Ukraine's Foreign Minister Outlines Coffee Strategy for Potential UN Chief Orbán

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X on October 26 that Kyiv has a specific plan to manage Viktor Orbán should the former Hungarian prime minister become the next UN secretary-general. The comment follows reports that the US administration is actively promoting Orbán for the role.

Sybiha expressed confidence that Orbán would utilize "the masterful veto and blackmail skills he has developed over years of derailing major EU decisions." He referenced a specific diplomatic maneuver from late 2023 at an EU summit. At that meeting, Orbán left the room, allowing other leaders to approve the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine without Hungary exercising its veto.

The minister joked that Ukraine can share its experience with the rest of the world by taking Orbán "out for coffee at the right moment." This tactic would effectively remove him from key voting sessions to prevent him from blocking major international decisions.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US administration is counting on support from China and Russia to push for Orbán's appointment. Earlier in May, investigative journalists noted that figures in the MAGA wing of the Republican Party considered this move a way to shield Orbán from potential prosecution in Hungary.

Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi added that Orbán is preparing to move to the United States if legal action is taken against him in his home country. Sybiha's remarks highlight the tension between the US push for the former leader and Ukraine's strategy to limit his influence at the UN.