Hungarian President Katalin Novak to Visit Kiev Amid Ukraine-Russia Tensions
Hungarian President Katalin Novak is scheduled to visit Kiev after receiving an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. A leading Hungarian portal reports the trip as a planned step in ongoing dialogue between Budapest and Kyiv during a period of heightened regional tensions. The publication notes that Novak will travel by train from Poland into Ukraine, a pathway described as her first official visit to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began and the subsequent military actions in the region have moved the security conversation to the forefront.
The anticipated visit comes as Zelenskiy has publicly engaged with leaders across Central Europe, including Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister. Zelenskiy thanked Orban for political and humanitarian support and extended an invitation for the Hungarian leader to visit Ukraine firsthand. These exchanges reflect a shared interest in regional stability and in coordinating responses to Russian aggression while balancing national interests and European security commitments.
In recent months, public exchanges between Budapest and Kyiv have included sharp rhetoric regarding sanctions against Russia. Zelenskiy has accused Hungarian authorities of blocking broader European sanctions measures, while Orban has argued that Budapest must defend its own national interests and sovereignty. The evolving dialogue underscores the complexity of alliance dynamics within Europe as governments navigate security concerns, economic considerations, and political pressures from allies and domestic constituencies alike. This trip is seen as a potential signal of renewed engagement and practical cooperation in defense and humanitarian efforts in the region, set against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and international responses.