In Brussels, amidst active diplomatic efforts, the head of the Hungarian government, Peter Madyar, voiced stringent demands to Kyiv. Hungary insists on the restoration of guarantees for the national minority as a mandatory condition for rebooting bilateral relations. The discussion centers on a specific package of 11 points which, according to the Prime Minister, is already familiar to the Ukrainian side.
The key focus is on linguistic and cultural rights. Madyar stated directly that Budapest demands legislative guarantees for the 100,000 Hungarians living in Ukraine. The priority is the possibility of freely using their native language in schools, the cultural sphere, and when interacting with state authorities.
From Orbán to Madyar: echoes of old demands
These proposals echo the well-known "11 conditions" put forward by Viktor Orbán several years ago. The change of power in Budapest has not led to a change in the vector of policy regarding Zakarpattia. Madyar confirmed that technical negotiations have already gone through several rounds, and now it is time for political decisions and changes in Ukrainian legislation.
The next stage of diplomacy should be a meeting of foreign ministers. However, the Hungarian Prime Minister has aimed higher. Madyar expressed readiness to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly in the Hungarian-speaking regions of Ukraine to open a "new chapter" in the history of relations between the countries.
The paradox of the Hungarian position
Interestingly, amidst pressure on the language issue, Madyar confirmed his position on the war. He acknowledged that Ukraine is a victim of an unprovoked attack and has the full right to defend its territorial integrity. At the same time, the Hungarian leader insists that the first step towards peace must be a long-term ceasefire with international guarantees.
Kyiv, in turn, demonstrates readiness for dialogue. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybyga reported sending signals to Budapest about readiness for contacts at the highest level. Madyar, however, proposed a specific place for a historic meeting — Berehove, where he will personally discuss the rights of the Hungarian minority with Zelenskyy.