Gulyas: Europe has interest in maintaining dialogue with Russia

It is in the interest of Hungary and Europe as a whole to maintain dialogue with Russia, just as it was in their interest to strengthen economic ties "as far as possible within the current framework", the prime minister's chief of staff told a press briefing. Gergely Gulyas added that Europe meanwhile must do everything in its power to prevent any conflict, violence and war in Ukraine and the region. Hungary is "aware of its position and weight", Gulyas said, adding that it was therefore not likely to be up to Hungary "whether the United States and Europe wish or want to give Russia the guarantees it is asking for". He added, however, that the issues of energy security and relations with Russia were as inseparable for Hungary as they were for Europe.