Ukraine lifts Hungary travel warnings as Sybiha seeks post-election normalization
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine has rescinded travel warnings for its citizens visiting Hungary. The decision follows the conclusion of the Hungarian parliamentary elections, which Kyiv claims has diminished the risk of localized "provocations."
The diplomatic shift aims to restore bilateral stability after months of escalating friction. Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to work toward normalizing relations at both the consular and political levels, moving past the restrictive measures previously imposed.
Tensions between the neighbors reached a breaking point earlier this year. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused Kyiv of deliberately obstructing Russian oil transit via the Drujba pipeline. In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized a "sole EU dissenter" for blocking vital aid packages.
A critical financial dispute continues to overshadow the recent easing of travel restrictions. In early March, Budapest authorities detained seven Oschadbank security personnel escorting a cash-in-transit shipment.
While the Ukrainian personnel were eventually released, the seized currency and gold remain in Hungarian custody. The failure to return these state assets continues to serve as a significant friction point in the broader Kyiv-Budapest dialogue.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
