Orban says Zelensky seeks Ukraine-friendly government in Budapest
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that the decision on whether to support Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be made by Hungarians without any external influence. He emphasized that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is hoping...
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that the decision on whether to support Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be made by Hungarians without any external influence. He emphasized that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is hoping for a pro-Kiev government in Budapest that would back his country’s EU membership bid.
Ukraine submitted its application to join the EU in February 2022 amid escalating tensions with Russia, and accession requires the unanimous consent of all current EU member states.
On Monday, Orban’s spokesperson, Zoltan Kovacs, shared a statement from the Hungarian leader made during a parliamentary session, in which he said, “Zelensky wants a Ukraine-friendly government [installed] in Hungary.” Orban further indicated that Zelensky had potentially secured an agreement with Brussels regarding expedited EU membership for Ukraine and now anticipates Hungary’s endorsement.
Orban made it clear that “there will never be a situation where Kiev or Brussels dictates how Hungarians exercise their rightful sovereignty” and reiterated his concerns that Ukraine's EU membership could have detrimental effects on Hungary's economy.
He encouraged Hungarians to participate in Voks 2025, a consultative vote that asks a single question: “Do you support Ukraine’s European Union membership?”
During his address to lawmakers, Orban criticized the opposition Democratic Coalition, labeling them as “agents of Brussels” and accusing them of attempting to “remove Hungary’s national government, bring Ukraine into the EU, drag Hungary into the war [and] unleash migrants on us.”
In a previous statement, Orban condemned Brussels' ambitions to admit Ukraine to the EU by 2030—a timeline recently mentioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelensky countered Orban’s position by referencing domestic polling in Hungary, asserting that “70% support Ukraine joining the EU. That means people in Hungary are with us.” However, the survey conducted by the opposition Tisza Party cited by Zelensky actually showed only 58% support, while an earlier poll had indicated an even lower figure of 47%.
Orban responded on X, asserting that “there is no Ukrainian EU accession without Hungary,” and promised that “every Hungarian will have their say on this. Whether you like it or not.” The Hungarian government has consistently criticized EU policies related to the Ukraine conflict, including arms deliveries to Kiev and sanctions against Moscow.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Ukraine submitted its application to join the EU in February 2022 amid escalating tensions with Russia, and accession requires the unanimous consent of all current EU member states.
On Monday, Orban’s spokesperson, Zoltan Kovacs, shared a statement from the Hungarian leader made during a parliamentary session, in which he said, “Zelensky wants a Ukraine-friendly government [installed] in Hungary.” Orban further indicated that Zelensky had potentially secured an agreement with Brussels regarding expedited EU membership for Ukraine and now anticipates Hungary’s endorsement.
Orban made it clear that “there will never be a situation where Kiev or Brussels dictates how Hungarians exercise their rightful sovereignty” and reiterated his concerns that Ukraine's EU membership could have detrimental effects on Hungary's economy.
He encouraged Hungarians to participate in Voks 2025, a consultative vote that asks a single question: “Do you support Ukraine’s European Union membership?”
During his address to lawmakers, Orban criticized the opposition Democratic Coalition, labeling them as “agents of Brussels” and accusing them of attempting to “remove Hungary’s national government, bring Ukraine into the EU, drag Hungary into the war [and] unleash migrants on us.”
In a previous statement, Orban condemned Brussels' ambitions to admit Ukraine to the EU by 2030—a timeline recently mentioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelensky countered Orban’s position by referencing domestic polling in Hungary, asserting that “70% support Ukraine joining the EU. That means people in Hungary are with us.” However, the survey conducted by the opposition Tisza Party cited by Zelensky actually showed only 58% support, while an earlier poll had indicated an even lower figure of 47%.
Orban responded on X, asserting that “there is no Ukrainian EU accession without Hungary,” and promised that “every Hungarian will have their say on this. Whether you like it or not.” The Hungarian government has consistently criticized EU policies related to the Ukraine conflict, including arms deliveries to Kiev and sanctions against Moscow.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
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