Ukrainian FM hails “new chapter” in ties with Hungary, praises EU support

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said Ukraine is opening a “new chapter” in relations with Hungary, framing the development as part of broader diplomatic momentum around Kyiv’s European Union integration.

According to Caliber.Az, Sybiha made the statement in a post on X.

In his remarks, Sybiha also thanked the Cyprus Presidency for its leadership in advancing Ukraine’s EU accession process.

"My gratitude goes to all EU Member States, the European Commission, and EU institutions for their unwavering support," he wrote.

"I also appreciate Hungary’s constructive engagement. We are opening a new chapter in Ukraine-Hungary relations — one built on mutual respect, trust, and our shared European future."

Earlier, Hungary and Ukraine reached a breakthrough agreement that could unlock the start of EU accession negotiations for Kyiv, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on June 3.

The deal reportedly addresses long-standing concerns over the rights of around 100,000 ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, expanding protections in the linguistic, educational, cultural and political spheres. The issue has been a key point of friction between Budapest and Kyiv in recent years.

Magyar said Ukraine had agreed to translate the measures into national law in the near future, adding that Hungary would then support opening the first negotiating cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession process. However, he cautioned that full membership could still take years, with Budapest planning a referendum if Ukraine completes all negotiation chapters.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Hungary’s “constructive engagement” and said the agreement marks a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev