Hungary’s Magyar opposes forcing Kyiv into territorial concessions
Péter Magyar and supporters celebrate the victory of the Tisza party in the elections, April 12, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger)
Péter Magyar said no one has the right to dictate peace terms to Ukraine after his Tisza Party won parliamentary elections, The Kyiv Independent reported on Apr. 13.
Answering journalists’ questions at a press conference, Péter Magyar said his government would seek allied and friendly relations “with all neighboring countries.” He noted that many Hungarians live in Ukraine and that it is in their interest “to resolve disputed issues.” According to the politician, he wants to address the language law in Ukraine so the Hungarian minority “can use its native language.”
Magyar stressed that Ukraine has the full right to defend itself against Russian aggression and cannot be forced to concede territory.
“If anyone says such things — regardless of how long politicians from the Fidesz party have been saying them — you should ask them what would happen if Russia attacked Hungary: which Hungarian district would they give up? These are outrageous, cynical statements unworthy of our heroes and the freedom fighters of 1956,” he said.
The Kyiv Independent also reported that Magyar emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine with U.S. support and warned against repeating the mistakes of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
He said Russia poses a threat to Europe’s security and that Europe must be able to prepare and defend itself, hvg.hu reported.
Magyar also said he would advise Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine, but does not expect him to listen. He expressed hope for a swift end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and that “Europe will immediately lift [anti-Russian] sanctions” afterward.
Parliamentary elections were held in Hungary on April 12. With 98.94% of votes counted, Tisza is leading. Péter Magyar’s party is expected to secure 138 seats in parliament, Fidesz 55 seats, and Our Homeland 6.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had been in power for 16 years, said he recognizes his party’s defeat and congratulated Péter Magyar on his victory.
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