Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has stated his willingness to allow Ukrainian grain to transit through the country to Western Europe. The condition is that the shipments will not remain on the Hungarian market. The issue was raised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the EU summit in Brussels due to difficulties with maritime exports following Russian attacks on port infrastructure.
Briefly about the main points
- Hungary is prepared to allow Ukrainian grain to pass through to Western Europe.
- Goods must not remain on the Hungarian domestic market.
- They discussed the transport of maize by rail in sealed wagons.
- Ukraine also requested transit from Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
- The leaders agreed to continue discussions at ministerial level.
Ukraine is seeking overland routes for agricultural exports
According to Magyar, Zelensky raised the issue during the plenary session EU summit. The Ukrainian side has asked neighbouring states to once again facilitate the transport of agricultural produce to Western European countries, as transport via the Black Sea has become impossible.
During the conversation with the Hungarian Prime Minister, the discussion focused, in particular, on the transport of maize by rail in sealed wagons. A similar transit arrangement was used at the start of the full-scale war, when Ukraine was seeking an alternative to sea routes.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure are posing risks to exports by sea. Ukraine accounts for around 3% of global grain market, and its ports handled over 42 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026, despite the war.
The Hungarian agreement relates solely to transit through the country
Mátyás told RTL television that he sees no obstacles to such shipments, provided they are exclusively for transit purposes. This position implies agreement to Kyiv’s request, provided that the goods are destined for other countries and are not supplied to the Hungarian domestic market.
The Hungarian Prime Minister set out his position following a face-to-face meeting with Mr Zelenskyy in Brussels, which lasted around 15 minutes. It took place on 16 October on the sidelines of the EU summit.
The ministers will continue the talks; the leaders may meet again
Zelenskyy and Mádár agreed to continue the dialogue at ministerial level and to identify specific joint projects. Among the possible areas of cooperation, the Hungarian Prime Minister mentioned the reconstruction of schools and hospitals, as well as economic investment in Zakarpattia.
The next meeting of the leaders could take place in a few months’ time, provided the talks progress successfully. Madyar linked this, in particular, to the implementation of agreements concerning the rights of national minorities.
