Ukraine’s foreign minister: PM Orbán poses a danger to his own people

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has delivered unusually blunt criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stating that the Hungarian leader poses “a danger to his own people” through policies that undermine regional stability and European unity.

Ukraine’s foreign minister doesn’t think too highly of Viktor Orbán

The remarks were made in an interview with European Pravda, in which Sybiha addressed deteriorating Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, Hungary’s role in Ukraine’s EU accession process, and the broader diplomatic landscape surrounding ongoing peace talks.

Sybiha stressed that Kyiv has reached the end of what he described as a “policy of ignoring” hostile rhetoric and actions from Budapest. From now on, Ukraine intends to respond firmly and proportionately to any steps it considers unfriendly. According to the foreign minister, his recent statements should be understood as direct reactions to Hungary’s behaviour rather than unprovoked criticism, writes Népszava.

He thinks Orbán is the biggest obstacle between Ukraine and the EU

One of Sybiha’s strongest claims was that Hungary currently represents the single biggest obstacle to Ukraine’s European Union membership. He argued that by blocking Ukraine’s progress towards the EU, the Hungarian government is also harming the interests of the Hungarian minority living in Ukraine.

Kyiv, he said, rejects Orbán’s all anti-Ukrainian rhetoric and firmly opposes attempts to drag Ukraine into Hungary’s domestic political battles, particularly in the context of the upcoming Hungarian elections.

• According to Péter Szijjártó, Ukraine is also participating in the Hungarian elections

Commenting on recent statements by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Sybiha dismissed them curtly, saying he had “no time to respond to every foolish remark”. He added that Ukraine would no longer engage in verbal exchanges or provocations, while reserving the right to take reciprocal measures should concrete hostile actions occur.

They are willing to work together, no matter if Magyar or Orbán wins in April

The interview also touched on Hungarian domestic politics, including speculation about opposition figure Péter Magyar and the possibility of political change in Budapest. Sybiha made it clear that Ukraine is prepared to work with any Hungarian government that is lawfully elected by the Hungarian people.

He emphasised that Ukraine has adopted EU-level standards for minority protection and remains open to further dialogue, adjustments, or special considerations if necessary.

He talked about international affairs, too

Turning to international diplomacy, Sybiha noted a shift in the tone of recent peace negotiations involving Russia and the United States. He said earlier talks had been dominated by pseudo-historical arguments from the Russian side, but these have since disappeared.

A key development, he added, is that security guarantees (not merely assurances) have now been included in the US-backed negotiation framework.

However, major issues remain unresolved, including territorial questions and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Sybiha suggested that rather than a single comprehensive peace treaty, the process may result in separate agreements between the United States and Ukraine, and between the United States and Russia.