The Hungarian president, Katalin Nowak, undertook a visit to the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, where she held meetings with representatives of the Hungarian minority residing there. Images from the gathering with Berehove residents were shared on the president’s social media accounts, offering a glimpse into the discussions, though further specifics of the dialogue were not disclosed publicly.
During this working trip, Nowak engaged with officials from the Transcarpathian Regional Military Administration to explore ways to bolster cross-border cooperation. The conversations covered a range of topics, including humanitarian aid, support for Ukrainian refugees, and initiatives to provide recreation opportunities for Ukrainian children in Hungary. Participants also discussed jointly implemented programs across environmental protection, education, and culture, aiming to strengthen ties and address shared regional challenges.
Looking ahead, plans were announced for a meeting between Nowak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on August 23, coinciding with the forum of the Crimean Platform, which is expected to address security and diplomatic questions regarding the region and its residents.
In a related development, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, led by Minister Peter Szijjarto, asserted that Budapest would not support Ukraine’s European integration if the concerns of national minorities in Transcarpathia remain unresolved. This stance reflects ongoing discussions about minority rights and their impact on broader regional relations and potential EU accession progress.
Previously, the Ukrainian issue has been framed by statements from the Hungarian government emphasizing a durable position on Ukraine, underscoring the importance of safeguarding minority rights as a precondition for deeper cooperation and alignment with Western institutions. The current exchanges underscore that bilateral diplomacy continues to balance humanitarian goals, regional stability, and political expectations on both sides of the border.