Viktor Orban criticizes Volodymyr Zelensky, rejects Hungary’s support for Ukraine’s EU accession
Brussels / Budapest — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a strong verbal attack against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, accusing him of making “unfounded accusations” against Hungary during a conference in Brussels.
According to Orban, Zelensky “again attacked Hungary and the Hungarian government with a series of accusations,” prompting him to respond by listing several “facts” about Hungary’s assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war.
“Hungary has received refugees from Ukraine, recording more than 14 million border crossings since the beginning of the war. We operate three Ukrainian schools here, have taken care of wounded soldiers and children, provided camps for over ten thousand Ukrainian children in Hungary, trained medical staff, and rebuilt schools and kindergartens in Ukraine,” Orban said.
He added that Hungary had been “Ukraine’s largest energy supplier” last year and spent €200 million in humanitarian aid.
“It is regrettable if all this means nothing to President Zelensky,” he remarked.
“Hungary owes Ukraine nothing”
The Hungarian premier also stressed that Hungary’s financial contributions are part of the European Union’s collective aid to Ukraine.
“Hungary’s money is also included in the support they receive from the European Union. Although we are not happy about it, it remains a fact,” Orban said.
“We must reject the suggestion that Hungary has any debt to Ukraine. Ukraine protects Hungary from no one and nothing. We did not ask for that and will not ask for it. Hungary’s security is guaranteed by Hungary’s defense capabilities and by NATO, of which Ukraine — fortunately — is not a member.”
Opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership
Orban reaffirmed his government’s opposition to Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, arguing that such a move would “bring war to Europe and take Hungary’s money to Ukraine.”
“The decision on a country’s accession to the EU is made unanimously by member states. That means every member has the sovereign right to support or oppose a new member. Hungary does not support and will not support Ukraine’s EU accession,” Orban said.
“We believe the EU should conclude a strategic partnership with Ukraine without full membership. This is our proposal, and we will continue to uphold it.”
Zelensky’s call for support
Earlier on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Viktor Orban to stop blocking Kyiv’s EU membership bid, after Brussels signaled its willingness to advance Ukraine’s accession process despite ongoing concerns over corruption.
“We are at war for our survival, and we would really like the Prime Minister of Hungary to support us — or at least not block us,” Zelensky told Euronews.
“I don’t think I need to offer anything to Viktor Orban. I think he should offer something to Ukraine, which is protecting the whole of Europe from Russia.”
Zelensky added that blocking Ukraine’s EU bid would amount to “a very specific form of support for Vladimir Putin.”
