Hungarian PM Péter Magyar says Zelenskyy unlikely to visit Budapest later this month

Budapest visit by Zelenskyy appears unlikely despite invitation for October ceremony

Poinews.com – Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not expected to travel to Budapest later this month, even though Kyiv received an invitation to attend Hungary’s national commemorations on 23 October.

The date will mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, a defining moment in Hungary’s modern history. More than 100 political figures have been invited to state events connected to the anniversary, but Magyar said he did not believe Zelenskyy would ultimately be present.

Speaking in an interview published on Saturday, the Hungarian prime minister made clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not among those invited. The possible participation of Zelenskyy has drawn particular attention because Hungary and Ukraine have spent years managing difficult diplomatic relations, even while both countries have reasons to seek more practical cooperation.

Possible meeting later in the year

Magyar and Zelenskyy discussed the prospect of another meeting during an EU summit in Brussels on Friday. Their conversation raised the possibility of a visit to Ukraine, Hungary, or the western Ukrainian city of Beregszász, known in Ukrainian as Berehove.

“Either I will travel to Kyiv and from there we will go together to Beregszász, or the president will come to Budapest and from there we will go to Beregszász,” Magyar said.

Beregszász is especially relevant to the relationship between the two governments because it is located in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, home to a sizeable Hungarian minority. Minority rights, including questions involving language, education and cultural representation, have repeatedly featured in exchanges between Budapest and Kyiv.

The two leaders’ Brussels discussion suggested that those concerns may remain central to any effort to improve ties. Magyar said after the meeting that he had offered Ukraine his full solidarity as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

“Full solidarity” with Ukraine, Magyar said, while outlining a willingness to continue dialogue.

Minority issues remain a focus

Hungary and Ukraine have agreed to maintain contacts at ministerial level, with attention directed toward improving the position of minority communities in both countries. Magyar also said Budapest and Kyiv saw value in establishing a new basis for political and economic relations.

“Continue talks at ministerial level, with a special focus on improving the situation of minorities in both countries,” Magyar said, adding that it was “in both countries’ interests to build a new foundation for our political and economic relations.”

The language points to an attempt to move beyond a period in which bilateral disagreements have frequently complicated broader European discussions. Hungary’s disputes with Kyiv have at times created obstacles for Ukraine as it seeks closer integration with the European Union.

For Ukraine, progress in its relationship with Budapest matters beyond the two countries’ border. EU decisions often require agreement among member states, meaning sustained political friction can have consequences for the pace and tone of discussions involving Ukraine’s future European path.

For Hungary, the issue is closely tied to the treatment of ethnic Hungarians living across the border in Ukraine. The government has consistently presented protections for that community as an important national concern. The planned ministerial discussions could therefore provide a practical channel for addressing issues that have previously become politically charged.

An invitation without a confirmed visit

Zelenskyy has formally received an invitation for the 23 October commemorations, but no final decision on his attendance has been announced. A senior Ukrainian presidential official had previously confirmed that the invitation had arrived and said Kyiv would consider it.

“We have received an invitation. On 23 October, an event will be held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution,” Zhovkva said. “The President of Ukraine has received an invitation to attend. We shall see.”

Magyar’s latest remarks make a Budapest appearance by Zelenskyy seem less probable, but they do not rule out a meeting before the end of the year. His comments outlined two possible paths: a trip by the Hungarian prime minister to Kyiv followed by a joint visit to Beregszász, or a Ukrainian presidential trip to Budapest with the same regional stop included.

The distinction is significant. A visit focused on Beregszász could place the shared concerns of the Hungarian minority at the centre of the leaders’ engagement, while a Budapest meeting would carry wider political symbolism during a major national anniversary.

Hungary’s 1956 Revolution is remembered for a nationwide uprising against Soviet domination. The anniversary arrives as Ukraine continues fighting Russian forces, making any Ukrainian participation in the commemorations especially resonant. Still, no visit has been confirmed, and the immediate focus appears to be on keeping diplomatic contact open through ministerial talks and potential future meetings between the two leaders.

Whether Zelenskyy travels to Hungary in October or meets Magyar elsewhere later in the year, the next stage of engagement will be closely watched for signs that Budapest and Kyiv can translate renewed dialogue into steadier political and economic cooperation.