Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Hungary
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a deeply strained relationship with Hungary, rooted in Budapest’s consistent obstruction of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its more cordial stance toward Russia. The Ukrainian President views Hungary as an uneasy neighbor whose policies are detrimental to Ukraine’s survival and security during the full-scale invasion.
Zelenskyy has publicly and forcefully condemned Viktor Orbán’s government for blocking crucial European Union support, equating Hungary’s veto power usage to supporting the aggressor, Vladimir Putin. Furthermore, relations have been marked by specific, tense incidents, including accusations of airspace violations by Hungarian reconnaissance drones and reciprocal bans on military officials.
While acknowledging that the Hungarian people are generally friendly and supportive, Zelenskyy has made clear that the actions of the Hungarian leadership are unacceptable. His position is that of a wartime leader defending national sovereignty against external threats, with Hungary's political maneuvering being perceived as a significant internal obstacle within the European alliance.
Timeline
- Hungarian President János Áder attended Volodymyr Zelenskyy's inauguration ceremony in Kyiv, suggesting an initial level of official engagement.
- Hungary was among Member States that did not support several texts on financing Ukraine or contributing to escalating pressure on Russia, as noted in later EU documents.
- Zelenskyy accused Hungary of flying reconnaissance drones across the border to check industrial potential, warning Budapest it was engaging in a 'very dangerous thing.'
- Speaking in Brussels, Zelenskyy condemned a veto by Viktor Orbán, stating that 'Blocking Ukraine Means Supporting Putin,' and rejected any 'half-membership' status for Ukraine in the EU.
Actions Taken
- Intelligence/Military AssessmentInstructed all available information to be verified and urgent reports made on each recorded incident following alleged drone incursions from the Hungarian side.
- Diplomatic CondemnationCondemned the Hungarian government's vetoes blocking Ukraine's EU accession clusters during a speech in Brussels.
Key Quotes
Blocking Ukraine means supporting Putin. There is all eyes on Hungary. So Ukraine had hoped hoped to open five clusters none of them has happened because Hungary blocked it by veto.
Hungary was flying reconnaissance drones across the border... that is a very dangerous thing, first of all for themselves.
Criticism
Accused Zelenskyy of 'losing his mind to his anti-Hungarian obsession' and 'starting to see things that aren't there' in response to the drone incursion claims.
Urged Zelenskyy to 'stop harassing us' after the drone accusations, framing the Hungarian government as a necessary safeguard for peace by being an EU/NATO member.
Sources4
Zelenskyy Threatens Hungary over Alleged Drone Incursion, Orbán Reacts
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.