Orbán’s Historic Visit: Highlights From Diplomatic Talks in Kyiv Between Hungary's Prime Minister and Ukraine's President

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine became the first country Orbán visited after Budapest assumed the EU presidency, and stated that they had a constructive meeting.

Here are key points of Orbán’s first official visit to Kyiv in over a decade:

1. Zelenskyy and Orbán have agreed to work on a deal that will resolve bilateral issues

"The substance of our dialogue on all today's issues can serve as the basis for a future bilateral document between our states, which will regulate all our relations and be based on a reciprocal approach in relations between countries," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Viktor Orbán also believes that the negotiations brought the two countries closer to potentially signing a new agreement.

"We want to improve relations between our countries, and we aim to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Ukraine, similar to those agreements we have with other neighbors of Hungary," Orbán said.

2. Orbán stressed that Hungary intends to assist Ukraine during its presidency of the EU

"I wish Ukraine all the best, and during Hungary's presidency, we will help you in every way we can," added the head of the Hungarian government.

According to Zelenskyy, the fact that Hungary participated in the Summit on Peace for Ukraine in Switzerland and supported the communiqué demonstrates "Hungary's readiness to be effective in achieving real, long-term security for both our country and the entire region."

Zelenskyy added that he wants to hold the second Peace Summit already this year, and he hopes for Hungary's leadership in its preparation. The President emphasized the importance of Hungary's EU presidency being effective and noted that they discussed cooperation at the EU level with the Hungarian Prime Minister.

3. Ukraine and Hungary have pledged to open and fund the first Ukrainian school in Hungary

Orbán confirmed that the Ukrainian side raised this issue and expressed his complete support for Zelenskyy’s initiative. He emphasized the growing need for education among Ukrainian refugees currently living in Hungary, especially in Budapest.

Orbán clarified that while Ukrainian children are currently attending different schools in Hungarian cities, including Budapest, the Hungarian government acknowledges the significance of establishing schools that offer teaching in Ukrainian. He mentioned that Hungary will fully fund this initiative and will open Ukrainian schools as needed.

Orbán did not link this decision to reciprocal expectations from Ukraine but noted Hungary’s desire for Ukrainian understanding regarding the needs of the Hungarian-speaking minority historically residing in Zakarpattia.

5. Orbán suggested an immediate ceasefire along the current front lines with Russian forces

Orbán clarified that he did not press for this proposal, respecting Ukrainian perspectives on resolving the conflict, though he expressed concerns about the lengthy diplomatic process.

He underscored the potential of a ceasefire to expedite negotiations with Russia, emphasizing that his suggestion aimed to explore alternative approaches. Orbán expressed appreciation for President Zelenskyy’s openness on the issue and committed to further discussions with European Union leaders.

The leaders highlighted the significance of their discussions in Kyiv as laying the groundwork for future agreement, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation.

“I thank Hungary for attending the Peace Summit and supporting its final communiqué. Our work in this format truly helps to put an end to the war,” Zelenskyy stated.

On June 25, when the negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU officially started, the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna stated that Ukraine is ready to fulfill 11 demands of Hungary regarding the protection of the rights of national minorities.

"As of now, we are sincerely committed to solving and, on this basis, fully implementing 11 issues raised, in particular, by the Hungarian side, aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights of national minorities, and continuing bilateral consultations with Hungary in this direction," Stefanishyna said.