Zelensky meets Hungary's new PM Magyar for the first time, calls talks very good

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar for the first time on Friday in Brussels, on the sidelines of a European summit. Magyar took over from the Kremlin-friendly Viktor Orban in the spring, and Kyiv and Budapest have since been trying to repair relations that were strained under Orban. Both leaders described the meeting as very good.

Zelensky told reporters the talks covered relations, the economy and logistics, all of which he said matter to both countries. According to an informed source, the conversation lasted about 30 minutes, considerably longer than Hungary had planned. Zelensky wrote on X that the two had agreed to resume joint work at various levels and exchange visits.

The minority issue

Budapest has long been concerned about the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in western Ukraine. Ukraine recently passed a law on education for national minorities, which Magyar called a first step toward restoring mutual trust, writing on Facebook. He also noted that Ukraine began implementing it immediately. After the law was adopted, Hungary agreed to let the European Union open new topics in Ukraine's EU accession talks.

Magyar also thanked Ukraine for a resolution its parliament passed in September, which acknowledged that crimes were committed against Transcarpathian Hungarians between 1944 and 1946, including forced labor and mass deportations. He said the countries will continue ministerial-level consultations and pay particular attention to improving the situation of minorities.

Magyar expressed solidarity with Zelensky over Russia's aggression and said Hungary is ready to help through all possible diplomatic means to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible and secure lasting peace.

Starlink speeds recovering

At a press conference in Brussels, Zelensky said the speed of the Starlink satellite communication system in Ukraine is recovering but has not yet returned to previous levels. He said Ukraine uses Starlink for defense against attacks, primarily jet-powered drones, for delivering food to the combat zone and for medium-range strikes, but not for strikes deep inside Russia. He called the slowdown a very unpleasant surprise. Problems began earlier in the week with Starshield, the military version; according to Reuters sources, the order to restrict the satellites came from the White House.