Key actors — tap for context
Péter Magyar
Prime Minister of Hungary since the 2026 elections and leader of the Tisza movement, which replaced Orbán's Fidesz.
Why here: His government restored access to Ukrainian websites blocked under his predecessor.
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Viktor Orbán
Hungary's long-serving prime minister for Fidesz, whose government ended after the 2026 elections.
Why here: Under his cabinet, providers blocked 12 Ukrainian news websites last year.
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Zoltán Tarr
Minister for Social Relations and Culture in Magyar's government.
Why here: Announced the lifting of the block in coordination with the diplomacy ministry.
More info →The current government frames the reversal differently. According to Telex, Minister for Social Relations and Culture Zoltán Tarr, acting in coordination with the diplomacy ministry, stated that "websites spreading Russian propaganda cannot be equated with a truly independent press," and that the goal is to build good neighborly relations instead of driving wedges between nations. The significance of the move for Ukrainian refugees seeking news from home in their own language was highlighted by Liliána Grexa, spokesperson for the Ukrainian minority. Telex ↗
The unblocking was also confirmed by Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary, Fedir Šandor. European Pravda, which was itself among the blocked sites, noted that the Orbán government had regarded its websites as working against Hungarian interests. European Pravda ↗
The move fits into a broader shift. In early June, Magyar's government also lifted its block on opening formal EU accession negotiations for Ukraine, even though it opposes Ukraine's fast-tracked admission. Washington Post ↗ According to foreign media, the current leadership is also gradually reassessing the media apparatus built up during the Orbán era. CNN ↗
Read also: Hungary withdrew its veto, first cluster of EU accession talks opens for Ukraine on Monday
