Hungary’s Magyar Doubts Zelenskyy Will Attend Budapest’s 1956 Anniversary Despite Brussels Reset

Key points

• Magyar told 444.hu he does not expect Zelenskyy to visit Budapest for the October 23 state ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
• The invitation was extended despite the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited to the same events.
• Magyar and Zelenskyy met at the EU summit in Brussels on October 16, agreeing to 'continue talks at ministerial level' with a focus on minority rights and economic relations.
• Ukraine’s parliament adopted a minority education law on October 12, prompting Hungary to drop objections to EU accession Clusters 2 and 3, which opened on October 13.
• Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Brussels meeting as a 'reset across all tracks,' aiming to open the remaining two EU accession clusters by the end of 2026.
• Zelenskyy’s deputy chief of staff, Ihor Zhovkva, confirmed the invitation to Budapest but stated the president’s attendance had not been confirmed.

Background

This development follows a series of diplomatic shifts in late 2026. In early October, Hungary expelled Russian diplomats, marking a pivot away from the pro-Moscow stance of the previous government under Viktor Orbán. Subsequently, on October 12, Ukraine passed a minority rights law to resolve long-standing disputes with Budapest regarding the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia. This legislative change was a precondition for Hungary lifting its veto on Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. The current diplomatic thaw is part of a broader effort to normalize relations, which had previously stalled Kyiv’s path to EU membership due to Budapest’s objections to minority protections.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews emphasizes the logistical and diplomatic uncertainty surrounding Zelenskyy’s potential visit, highlighting Magyar’s skepticism despite the formal invitation and the broader context of the 1956 anniversary ceremonies. In contrast, Kyiv Post frames the Brussels meeting as a strategic breakthrough, focusing on the tangible outcomes such as the opening of EU accession clusters and the 'reset' in bilateral relations. Kyiv Post highlights the economic and political benefits of the new cooperation, whereas Euronews focuses on the immediate question of whether the leaders will meet in person in Budapest. Both sources agree that the minority education law was the catalyst for this improved relationship, but they differ in their emphasis: Euronews on the symbolic gesture of the invitation, and Kyiv Post on the substantive progress in EU integration.

Why it matters

The potential visit or lack thereof signals the depth of the recent diplomatic thaw between Hungary and Ukraine. A confirmed visit would symbolize a full normalization of relations, while its absence might suggest lingering caution. More importantly, the underlying 'reset' is critical for Ukraine’s EU accession, as Hungary’s veto had previously blocked progress. The opening of Clusters 2 and 3, and the goal to open the final two by year-end, directly impacts Kyiv’s timeline for joining the EU. Additionally, the improved relations could influence Hungary’s stance on other European issues, including support for Ukraine against Russia, as Magyar expressed solidarity with Kyiv’s defense efforts.

What to watch

Ukraine aims to open the remaining two EU accession clusters (Cluster 4 on green agenda and Cluster 5 on resources) before the end of 2026. Ministerial-level talks between Hungary and Ukraine are expected to continue, focusing on trade, border infrastructure, and minority rights. Further high-level meetings may take place in Berehove or Kyiv, as suggested by Magyar. The outcome of the October 23 ceremonies in Budapest will be a key indicator of the pace of this diplomatic normalization.