Unfriendly Neighbors: Zelensky Slams Orban's Anti-Ukraine Campaign as a Historical Blunder
Zelensky accuses Orban of committing "significant historical blunders"
In a scathing criticism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has branded Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's anti-Ukraine policies as a regrettable mistake, accusing the Hungarian leader of using Ukraine for his election purposes.
For weeks, Orban's government has been spearheading a poster campaign, fueling sentiment against aid to Ukraine and against Ukrainian EU membership. In an interview with the Hungarian news portal valaszonline.hu, Zelensky berated Orban, stating that his actions could lead to harmful consequences such as the radicalization of Hungarian society and benefits for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Orban is using Ukraine for his own election. He doesn't realize the dangerous consequences of his actions. By not helping us, he is helping Putin. That's why I said that Viktor is making a serious historic mistake," Zelensky pointed out.
The Battle for Hungarian Karma: Orban's Bid to Thwart Ukraine's EU Entry
The poster campaign, which features Zelensky's portrait, argues that assisting Ukraine would plunge Hungary into the war and negatively impact the Hungarian economy. Following this unveiling, Zelensky protested, commenting, "But he's using my face for his own election? I didn't give him permission for that!"
In May 2025, the Ukrainian security service SBU apprehended two Ukrainians of Hungarian descent, suspected of spying for Hungarian military intelligence KNBSZ. Zelensky hinted at additional evidence that had not been made public, while Hungary arrested an alleged spy working for Ukraine who was close to Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar.
As Hungary gears up for its next parliamentary election in early 2026, Orban, who has wielded power since 2010, is under mounting pressure. Facing a serious competitor, the liberal-conservative party Tisza led by Magyar, Orban is now grappling to maintain his political influence.
Enrichment Data:
The diplomatic relationship between Zelensky and Orban has been worsening due to several contentious issues, including Hungary's stance on Ukraine's conflict with Russia and domestic concerns.
Historical Context:
- Hungary's Cautious Stance on Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Hungary's reluctance to provide military support to Ukraine has stirred controversy, as Orban's government has been criticized for not fully adhering to EU sanctions against Russia and maintaining close ties with Moscow[1][4].
- Dual Citizenship Issue: Hungary has been granting passports to ethnic Hungarians residing in Ukraine, which Ukraine views as a threat to its sovereignty[2].
Current Situation:
- Criticism of Orban's Policies: Zelensky has recently lambasted Orban's policies as "anti-Ukrainian and anti-European," accusing him of politicizing the war for his own benefit[1].
- Spy Scandal and Diplomatic Expulsions: In May 2025, Ukraine uncovered an alleged Hungarian espionage network in western Ukraine, leading to arrests and diplomatic expulsions. Hungary reciprocated by expelling Ukrainian diplomats, which Kyiv retaliated[2][5].
- Orban's Retaliation: Orban criticized Ukraine for meddling in Hungary's internal affairs and alleged collusion with the Hungarian opposition parties. He also argued that Ukraine was orchestrating propaganda against Hungary[4][5].
- Escalating Rhetoric: Both leaders have engaged in forceful words. Zelensky threatened to reveal evidence of Hungarian intelligence activities in Ukraine, while Orban fired back, saying Hungary does not want to be involved in the conflict and criticized Zelensky's abrasive remarks[1][4].
Overall, Zelensky and Orban continue to trade accusations, reflecting deeper geopolitical divisions within Europe about dealing with the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- The Commission, in its efforts to maintain the consistency of the EU's nuclear programme with the European Union's objectives, might find it relevant to address the escalating political tension between Ukraine and Hungary, given the potential consequences of geopolitical divisions within Europe.
- As the Hungarian government's bids to thwart Ukraine's EU entry and the ongoing spy scandal fuel the worsening diplomatic relationship, issues like migration, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice become increasingly significant factors in managing the complex situation between the two countries.
- Due to the sensitive nature of the spying accusations and the political repercussions of the spy scandal, there has been a need for careful and legal handling of the evidence, keeping in mind the principles of policy-and-legislation to ensure fairness while maintaining the EU's general-news coverage on the issue.
