Ukraine announces important change to travel rules for Hungary

Following the conclusion of Hungary’s election campaign, Ukraine is lifting its advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to the country where possible, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced on his official Facebook page on Monday.

Heightened risk of provocations

“This election campaign, regrettably rife with manipulations concerning Ukraine, is now consigned to history. With it, the heightened risk of provocations that prompted these restrictions has also diminished,” wrote the head of Ukraine’s foreign ministry.

Kyiv hopes the election results will pave the way for normalised relations between the two nations, with Ukraine ready to work towards that end, Sybiha stressed. “The decision of the Hungarian people has revealed our neighbours’ desire to live in peace, security, and prosperity—in a truly independent Hungary that forms part of a united and free Europe, rather than Moscow’s sphere of influence, a realm of lawlessness and intimidation,” the post states.

Rejection of blackmail and anti-Ukrainian propaganda

Hungarians’ verdict amounts to a rejection of blackmail and anti-Ukrainian propaganda, a development that “will also impact those European parties and movements employing similar rhetoric,” Sybiha added.

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“Meticulous, pragmatic, and calm work lies ahead, aimed at identifying common ground, restoring mutual respect, and advancing shared practical interests. For the sake of both countries and Europe as a whole, we shall strive to rebuild good-neighbourly relations,” the Ukrainian foreign minister concluded.

The advisory on travel to Hungary and alternative transit routes for shipments was issued by Ukraine’s foreign ministry in early March, amid the detention of a Ukrainian shipment of cash and gold.

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