Hungary gave up two-thirds of its land for peace, Ukraine may have to yield a fifth, says senior Hungarian official

Levente Magyar, Deputy Hungarian Foreign Minister, suggested that Ukraine may have to consider giving up a fifth of its territory, citing Hungary’s cession of two-thirds of its land "for the sake of peace" after World War I.

Source: Magyar during a lecture in Paris, as reported by European Pravda, citing Hungarian news outlet Telex

Details: Magyar referenced the 1920 Treaty of Trianon and the territories Hungary lost after World War I to suggest how, in his view, Ukraine might act to achieve peace.

He said that at that time, Hungary was on the losing side and had only two options: either take up arms again and commit collective suicide, or accept the peace terms, even if that meant losing two-thirds of the country.

He said the then-government made the only reasonable, though tragic, decision – to preserve at least a third of the country rather than sacrifice everything.

"Was it painful? Of course it was. Now, Ukraine would need to give up a fifth of its territory. I am not saying exactly what Ukraine should do; it is only that our experience shows that peace can sometimes be painful. The question is what matters more – preserving the country’s viability or clinging to a few thousand sq km," he said.

The deputy foreign minister added that the risk of the war escalating and spreading increases with each passing day.

"Peace is needed at any cost," Magyar concluded.

Background: 

• On Friday, in response to Hungary’s actions, Ukraine barred entry to three senior Hungarian military officials. 
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó subsequently questioned Ukraine’s future path towards European Union accession.

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