From History to Diplomacy: Vladlen Maraev Proposes New Approaches to U.S.-Hungary and Slovakia Relations
In the current landscape of Ukrainian-European relations, the focus on effective ways to build and deepen dialogue with neighboring countries, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, has once again come to the forefront. Renowned historian and blogger Vladlen Maraev recently suggested several strategic concepts aimed at improving mutual understanding, based on both historical examples and contemporary security considerations. According to him, each country must be approached individually, selecting different key arguments, because a single method cannot suit all. Maraev emphasizes the importance of diversifying Ukraine’s information policy and using historical parallels to remind these nations that they have experienced periods of domination and have fought to establish their independence in the past. This awareness should prompt them to understand that similar risks might re-emerge if they do not support Ukraine sufficiently. Maraev advocates that countries like Hungary and Slovakia need to realize that occupation and regional aggression are not only threats to Ukraine but also pose risks to their own future security. To persuade them, it’s crucial to employ historical arguments and warn about the possible repercussions for their sovereignty, including the potential for Russia to extend its influence into their territories. Such didactic tactics could influence their stance and further strengthen Ukrainian diplomacy. Recent statements from diplomats underscore this approach. For example, Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jurej Balanar, recently expressed the idea of returning to diplomatic principles and respecting international law, even suggesting that Russia might need to be forgiven for past and current crises. This position diverges sharply from Ukraine’s stance on defending its sovereignty, prompting a firm rejection from Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, who stated that such remarks are inappropriate and unproductive amid ongoing war and international efforts.