Zelensky: Orbán’s Ukraine policy a “historic mistake” – key takeaways from momentous interview 🔄
In an exclusive interview with Hungarian outlet Válasz Online, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a sharp critique of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s policies, accused Russia of seeking Ukraine’s total destruction, and outlined his vision for peace and Ukraine’s future. The conversation, conducted after 1,200 days of full-scale war, touched on Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, the ongoing conflict with Russia, and the prospects for peace.
Orbán’s policy: “Anti-Ukrainian and anti-European”
In a historical interview with Válasz Online, Zelensky was unequivocal in his criticism of Viktor Orbán, calling the Hungarian leader’s stance “anti-Ukrainian and anti-European.” He accused Orbán of exploiting the war for domestic political gain, particularly in the run-up to elections, and labelled this approach “dishonest.”
According to Zelensky, Orbán’s actions, such as using Zelensky’s image in government campaigns and public referenda on Ukraine’s EU membership, are unethical and risk fueling anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Hungary. “He is using Ukraine for his own electoral purposes. By not helping us, he is doing Putin a favour. That is why I said that Viktor is making a serious, historic mistake,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky also emphasised that Orbán’s position does not represent the entirety of Hungary, drawing a distinction between the Hungarian government and its people. He warned that Hungary, as a member of both the EU and NATO, should not behave as if it “hated both,” and stressed the need for mutual respect in bilateral relations.
Russian aggression: A war on Ukrainian statehood
Addressing the ongoing Russian attacks, Zelensky described the near-daily missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities as evidence that President Vladimir Putin is not interested in ending the war, but rather seeks the destruction of the Ukrainian nation and statehood. “Putin is not seeking to destroy Ukrainian cities, but rather the entire nation and its statehood,” Zelensky asserted.
He criticised those who believe Russia’s actions are mere responses to Ukrainian military operations, insisting that Moscow’s aggression is part of a long-term strategy to erase Ukraine from the map.
Zelensky argued that true peace can only be achieved if the international community recognises Putin’s real objectives and imposes meaningful pressure on Russia. He called on world leaders, particularly in the West, to move beyond simply assessing how long Ukraine can resist and instead focus on stopping Russian aggression through sanctions and other measures.
Hungarian-Ukrainian spy scandal and bilateral tensions
The interview also addressed the recent espionage scandal involving alleged Hungarian intelligence operations in Ukraine. Zelensky claimed that Hungary had attempted to interfere in Ukrainian affairs in multiple ways and that Ukrainian authorities possessed extensive evidence of these activities, including documentation of meetings and payments.
He clarified, however, that his criticism was directed at the Hungarian security services, not Orbán personally. “If [Hungary] does not want something, then to whom is it gathering information?” Zelensky asked, noting that NATO had not requested such intelligence from Hungary.
Peace talks, territorial integrity, and mobilisation challenges
On the subject of peace negotiations, Zelensky expressed scepticism about Russia’s intentions, accusing Moscow of using talks to weaken Western resolve and manipulate the diplomatic process. He reiterated that Ukraine would not recognise Russian sovereignty over occupied territories and that any discussion about Ukraine’s borders was strictly a matter for Ukraine and Russia’s leaders, not negotiable with third parties.
Zelensky also acknowledged the difficulties Ukraine faces in mobilisation, highlighting the fatigue and losses endured by the population. He noted that while Ukraine continues to resist, the country’s ability to do so depends on international support and the willingness of strong states to pressure Russia.
Vision for the future
For the future, Zelensky’s primary aspiration is for a peaceful Ukraine rebuilt with the support of the international community. “My greatest dream is a country living in peace. I am convinced that Ukraine, with the help of the world, will be rebuilt. Nothing is more important than that,” he concluded.
Fidesz’s reaction: ‘We will not let them destroy Hungary for Ukraine’
“We will not let them destroy Hungary for Ukraine, for us, Hungary comes first,” the communications director of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats said on Tuesday.
Tamás Menczer said on Facebook that “Ukraine is threatening us. Zelensky would destroy Hungary”. Menczer added that the Ukrainian president had said that Prime Minister “Viktor Orbán’s position does not reflect the opinion of the whole of Hungary”. What Hungarians think about Ukraine’s European Union membership will soon be revealed, as the Voks 2025 referendum is coming to an end, Menczer said.
“We understand that Zelensky likes to cite the [opposition] Tisza Party’s survey which showed that 58 percent of Hungarians (70 percent according to Zelensky) support Ukraine’s EU membership,” he said. “According to President Zelensky, everyone should serve Ukraine. Even the Hungarians. But for us, Hungary comes first. Or we could say: Glory to Hungary! We will not let them destroy Hungary for Ukraine,” he added.
Read more about Ukraine-Hungary relations HERE.
Foreign minister: Ukrainian president has interest in Hungary ‘puppet govt sending Hungarians’ money to Ukraine’
A recent interview given by Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky has shown that he has a vested interest in having a “puppet government” in Hungary that would send “Hungarians’ money to Ukraine”, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Tuesday, adding that the interview was “part of a harsh anti-Hungarian propaganda”.
Responding to questions at a press conference held together with his Croatian counterpart on an unrelated matter, Szijjártó said Hungary had been facing similar propaganda from Kyiv for years. A “puppet government sending Hungarians’ money, weapons, and Hungarian soldiers to Ukraine” would be in Ukraine’s interest, Szijjártó said, according to a ministry statement.
“The Hungarian people will have an opportunity to decide on that in 2026. The stakes of those elections will be whether there will be a pro-war, pro-Ukraine puppet government or a pro-peace national government that will ensure that Hungary stays out of the war,” he said. “We understand that it is in President Zelensky’s interests that we are not in government, but that will be up to the Hungarian people.”
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