Ukraine and Hungary Commit to First Ukrainian School in Hungary Amid Diplomatic Talks

Ukraine and Hungary have pledged to open and fund the first Ukrainian school in Hungary, following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy initiated the topic during their meeting in Kyiv, emphasizing the need for education for Ukrainian children in Hungary.

Orban confirmed that the Ukrainian side raised this issue and expressed full support for Zelenskyy’s initiative. He highlighted the increased necessity for education among Ukrainian refugees now residing in Hungary, particularly in Budapest.

Orban clarified that although Ukrainian children currently attend various schools in Hungarian cities, including Budapest, the Hungarian government recognizes the importance of establishing schools with Ukrainian-language instruction. He stated that Hungary will fully finance this school and will open as many Ukrainian schools as necessary.

Orban did not tie this decision to similar expectations from Ukraine but mentioned Hungary’s hope for Ukrainian understanding regarding the needs of the Hungarian-speaking minority traditionally living in Zakarpattia.

According to reports, Zelenskyy and Orban also agreed during their Kyiv talks to work on a bilateral agreement aimed at resolving mutual issues. Orban, whose country assumed the EU presidency on July 1, visited Kyiv on an unannounced visit, marking his first trip to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale war.