Hungary–Ukraine relations

The modern bilateral relationship between Hungary and Ukraine formally commenced in the early 1990s, following the end of communism in Hungary in 1989 and Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Historical interactions date back to the late 9th century, during the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin, when Hungarians crossed the Dnieper river near Kyiv, leading to peaceful passage through the city.

In 895, the Hungarians entered the Pannonian Basin through the Verecke Pass, located in present-day Ukraine, establishing the Kingdom of Hungary. A monument commemorating this passage was authorized by Ukraine in 1996 and completed in 2008.

Since the early 1990s, Hungary and Ukraine have maintained embassies in each other's capitals, with consulates in regions with significant minority populations. Relations remained largely positive until 2017, when the Ukrainian Education Law was enacted, mandating the use of Ukrainian as the language of instruction in state schools beyond the fifth grade. This law affected schools in Hungarian-majority areas of Zakarpattia, leading to tensions between the two nations.

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó responded by announcing Hungary would block Ukraine's integration into NATO and the European Union, marking a shift in Hungary's foreign policy towards Ukraine.

The 2017 language law triggered a rapid deterioration in relations, resulting in Hungary vetoing a NATO-Ukraine commission meeting. Ukrainian concessions included extending the transition period for the language law to 2023.

In March 2018, Ukraine's announcement to restore a military base in Berehove, a predominantly ethnic Hungarian area, drew immediate criticism from Hungary, which reiterated its stance on blocking Ukraine's NATO and EU integration until its concerns were addressed.

In September 2018, a video surfaced showing Hungarian diplomats in Berehove distributing Hungarian passports to Ukrainian citizens, which escalated tensions. Ukraine expelled the local Hungarian consul, leading to reciprocal actions from Hungary.

During the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Hungary attempted to influence the election results in favor of the Party of Hungarians of Ukraine, which led to accusations from the Ukrainian government of violating international diplomatic norms.

On 27 September 2021, Hungary signed a 15-year natural gas contract with Gazprom, bypassing Ukraine and straining relations further. Ukraine condemned the deal, asserting it undermined both national security and bilateral relations.

In December 2021, Hungary signed an agreement to transport natural gas through Ukraine, indicating a potential thaw in relations as both nations expressed intentions to improve bilateral ties.

In 2022, following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hungarian leaders condemned the invasion and expressed support for Ukraine. This marked a significant moment in Hungary's political stance regarding the conflict, emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions.