The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has confirmed ongoing efforts to arrange a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Szijjarto. According to spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy, this meeting could occur in the near future.
During a briefing on June 10, Tikhiy did not specify the exact date or location for the meeting. He stated,
“I can only confirm that we are working on this and have received some positive signals that this meeting may take place soon. The agenda will be quite clear. I do not think I will say anything new or unexpected.”
Tikhiy emphasized Ukraine’s desire to normalize bilateral relations with Hungary, noting that there has been positive progress on sensitive issues, particularly concerning minority rights. He referenced previous comments from Prime Minister Szijjarto, who acknowledged this progress and expressed Hungary’s support for the initiation of Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
He remarked,
“Hungary supports the opening of the first block of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s EU membership. We welcome this and believe we can use this momentum to normalize our relations.”
Tikhiy also highlighted Ukraine’s recognition of the cancellation of several policies from the previous Hungarian administration under Viktor Orban, which Ukraine deemed erroneous. He noted that Hungary has clearly condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine.
He added,
“We see a shift in some issues that were previously blocked, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and certain sanctions.”
On May 22, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha had announced preparations for the meeting between Zelensky and Szijjarto, indicating that the date and location would be coordinated through diplomatic channels based on the progress of negotiation teams.
On May 27, Szijjarto expressed his willingness to meet with Zelensky in Berehove, located in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, contingent upon the Ukrainian side meeting the Hungarian government’s demands regarding the rights of ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine.
On June 3, it was reported that Ukraine and Hungary had reached an agreement to expand the linguistic, educational, cultural, and political rights of the Hungarian minority.
Ukraine and Hungary are working to arrange a meeting between their leaders to discuss bilateral relations and minority rights. Recent developments indicate a positive shift in Hungary's stance toward Ukraine, particularly regarding EU accession talks.