Hungary lifts Orban-era ban on Ukrainian media

Zoltan Tarr, Hungary's Minister of Social Relations and Culture, announced the decision on Facebook, stating that the new government under Prime Minister Peter Magyar is focused on fostering "good-neighborly relations." This action follows a statement by Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine, Fedir Sandor, indicating the ban's repeal.

The original ban was enacted during a period of diplomatic friction between Budapest and Kyiv, exacerbated by Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Hungary's government at the time defended the ban, asserting that Ukrainian media outlets were spreading Russian propaganda and "World War III threats," while also criticizing sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.

It remains unclear whether Ukraine will reciprocate by lifting its own restrictions on Hungarian media. While some Hungarian websites are accessible in Ukraine, others, like Demokrata, remain blocked. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has not yet commented.

In parallel, Prime Minister Magyar has initiated an internal investigation into a "gold convoy" scandal. Earlier in March, Hungarian authorities seized two vehicles carrying approximately $82 million in cash and gold, citing money-laundering concerns. Employees of Ukraine's Oschadbank, who were with the shipment, were briefly detained.