Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar to Kyiv, which signals a possible new chapter in relations between the two neighbouring countries. The invitation came in a letter marking Hungary’s national holiday on 20 August.

The Ukrainian president sent a letter to Hungary

Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Magyar and the Hungarian people on St Stephen’s Day, saying Ukraine and Hungary are connected by centuries of good-neighbourly relations, mutual respect and shared struggles for freedom and statehood.

In the letter, published by the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest, Zelensky thanked Hungary for what he described as consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as solidarity during Russia’s invasion. He specifically highlighted humanitarian assistance, support for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and soldiers, and help provided to Ukrainian citizens.

Zelensky: a new chapter could begin

Zelensky described Hungary as a “good neighbour and reliable partner”, saying the outcome of Hungary’s recent election could open a new chapter in bilateral relations. According to the Ukrainian president, the new phase should be based on mutually beneficial cooperation, mutual respect, peace and understanding.

The timing is also significant, as Ukraine and Hungary are marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Zelensky said he was ready to strengthen open and constructive cooperation between the two countries and develop closer ties towards their “common European future”.

He then extended a direct invitation to Magyar. “I would welcome you in Kyiv at the nearest suitable time for you,” Zelensky wrote. He also wished Magyar success in building a modern Hungarian state and wished the Hungarian people peace, unity and prosperity.

A meeting has already been discussed

A bilateral meeting between Magyar and Zelensky has been under discussion for months. In early July, on his way to the NATO summit in Ankara, Magyar said he had held a brief meeting with Zelensky the previous day. The two reportedly agreed to hold formal bilateral talks in the near future.

At the time, Budapest or Kyiv were discussed as possible venues, followed by a joint visit to Transcarpathia, including Berehove. Magyar had indicated that he wanted to visit Berehove on his first official trip to Ukraine. Zelensky’s latest letter therefore puts Kyiv firmly on the table as the venue for the next stage of talks.

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Ukraine’s prime minister also invites Magyar

As 24.hu writes, Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi also sent a St Stephen’s Day message to his Hungarian counterpart. According to the Ukrainian Embassy, Koretskyi congratulated Magyar, thanked Hungary for its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, welcomed the resumption of dialogue and called for closer bilateral cooperation.

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