Zelensky and Magyar discuss paths to peace and national minorities

High-level diplomatic dialogue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held his first official meeting with newly appointed Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar. According to Radio Free Europe, the initial talks between the leaders were held tête-à-tête, without delegations. Among the key topics discussed by the leaders were Ukraine's accession to the European Union and the closing of the fourth and fifth clusters by the end of the year.

Budapest's stance on Russian aggression

Peter Magyar expressed full solidarity with Ukraine "у зв’язку з нелюдською російською агресією" (in connection with the inhumane Russian aggression), which has been ongoing for nearly five years. He assured that Hungary is ready to provide any diplomatic assistance to achieve a ceasefire and establish lasting peace as soon as possible.

Restoring trust and minority rights

The Hungarian Prime Minister welcomed the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the law on education for national minorities, as well as the fact that the Ukrainian side immediately began its implementation. He called this "першим кроком до відновлення взаємної довіри" (the first step towards restoring mutual trust) between the states.

In addition, Magyar expressed thanks for the September resolution of the Ukrainian parliament, by which Kyiv recognised the mass deportations of Hungarians in Zakarpattia from 1944 to 1946.

"Я домовився з Президентом України про те, що ми продовжимо консультації між двома країнами на міністерському рівні та приділятимемо особливу увагу подальшому покращенню становища меншин, які проживають у наших країнах" (I agreed with the President of Ukraine that we will continue consultations between the two countries at the ministerial level and pay special attention to further improving the situation of minorities living in our countries), Magyar stated.

Context of the change of power in Hungary

On 15 October, Magyar announced a meeting with Zelensky and stated that they would discuss the "історичний успіх" (historic success) in changing relations between the countries.

Peter Magyar, leader of the political party Tisza, which won the Hungarian parliamentary elections on 12 April 2026, has headed the country's government since 9 May 2026. He replaced Viktor Orbán in the post.