Zelensky hails ‘very good’ first meeting with Hungarian PM Magyar

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his inaugural meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar as "very good" on Friday, as both nations work to mend relations strained by years of political friction. Speaking at a Brussels press conference following an EU summit, Zelensky said they discussed a wide range of topics, including their bilateral relations, economy, and logistics.

Magyar, who assumed office in May, has aimed to improve ties with Ukraine after his predecessor, Viktor Orban, often aligned closely with Russia. In a statement, Magyar described the meeting as a "first step towards restoring mutual trust," adding that Hungary welcomed the EU's decision to open new areas for partnership talks with Ukraine.

Following the Hungarian parliament's recent legislation addressing concerns over the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in western Ukraine, Magyar expressed that Hungary would stand by Zelensky in the face of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Zelensky, in turn, tweeted that their meeting led to agreements to resume joint efforts at various levels and exchange visits, with teams to determine the specific dates.