The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has revoked its previous recommendations urging citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary. This was announced by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted that the decision is related to the conclusion of the election campaign in Hungary.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Reasons for Lifting Restrictions
According to Sybiha, during the recent election campaign in Hungary, there were numerous manipulations regarding Ukraine. This was the basis for imposing restrictions, as there were heightened risks of provocations. However, after the elections concluded, these risks became irrelevant, and the Ministry decided to lift the travel warnings.
“In connection with the conclusion of the election campaign in Hungary yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cancels its previous recommendations for citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary. This election campaign, which unfortunately was filled with manipulations regarding Ukraine, is now behind us. Therefore, the heightened risks of provocations that led to these restrictions have lost their urgency.”
Prospects for Ukrainian-Hungarian Relations
Sybiha also expressed hope that the results of the parliamentary elections in the country would contribute to normalizing relations between Kyiv and Budapest in both consular and political spheres. He emphasized that the victory of Hungarian political forces in the elections demonstrated the desire of the citizens of Hungary to live in an independent and secure country that is part of the European community. According to the Foreign Minister, the choice of Hungarians was a defeat for the politics of blackmail and anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and it may also influence the rhetoric of other political forces in Europe.
At the same time, Sybiha urged Ukrainians to have realistic expectations, noting that further cooperation with Hungary will require persistent and pragmatic efforts to find common ground, restore mutual respect, and pursue shared interests.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously congratulated Peter Madjar and the “Tisa” party on their victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections.
It is worth recalling that in March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended that Ukrainians refrain from traveling to Hungary or transiting through its territory due to the inability to guarantee the safety of citizens amid the actions of the Hungarian authorities. Such measures were taken after the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens in the country — bank employees and their escort, who were transporting funds and valuables as part of regular operations between state banks.