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Sanctions decree and stalled talks on 4 May 2022
Summary
A look back at the diplomatic and economic moves reported in the days around 4 May 2022, from Moscow's decree on 'unfriendly' entities to a Ukrainian accusation against Hungary.
What was the state of diplomacy in the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 4 May 2022? The reports from the preceding days point to stalled talks, economic counter-measures and sharpening rhetoric between neighbours.
Talks under strain
On 3 May 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin told French President Emmanuel Macron that Russia was ready to continue peace negotiations with Ukraine. The assurance came amid fears that talks between the two countries had stalled.
Economic counter-measures
The same day, Putin signed a decree that would allow the Russian government to terminate any business and exports with entities and people it deemed "unfriendly". The decree was part of the economic fallout of the invasion and of the international sanctions that accompanied it.
A charge against Hungary
On 2 May 2022, Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accused Hungary of having advance knowledge of the Russian invasion. He said Putin had warned Hungary, and that Hungary had plans to annex parts of Western Ukraine. The accusation placed Hungary–Ukraine relations, as well as Hungary–Russia relations, in the spotlight.
Taken together, these reports show a conflict fought not only on the battlefield. Negotiations were in doubt, Moscow was giving itself new powers over trade, and a Ukrainian official was making serious allegations about a neighbouring state in the days leading up to 4 May 2022.
