Ukraine Prepares Coffee Tactic for Orbán UN Bid

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha outlined a specific strategy for managing Viktor Orbán if the former Hungarian prime minister assumes the role of UN secretary-general. Sybiha stated that Kyiv is prepared to employ a tactic that has already proven effective in European diplomatic circles.

The plan relies on removing Orbán from key meetings at strategic moments. Sybiha cited an incident during an EU summit in late 2023. At that time, Orbán exited the room, allowing remaining leaders to approve the start of Ukraine’s accession negotiations without a Hungarian veto.

Sybiha described Orbán’s likely approach to the UN post as one driven by established habits. He predicted that Orbán would utilize the veto and blackmail skills he developed while blocking major EU decisions for years.

The foreign minister framed the proposed response as a transfer of expertise. He suggested that Ukraine can share its experience of taking Orbán out for coffee at the right moment to neutralize his influence.

The proposal follows reports that the US administration is backing Orbán’s candidacy. The Wall Street Journal noted that Washington is counting on support from China and Russia to secure the appointment.

Earlier this year, investigative journalists linked the potential UN appointment to efforts to shield Orbán from legal proceedings in Hungary. Investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi reported that Orbán may be preparing to relocate to the United States if domestic legal action becomes imminent.