The Prime Minister of Hungary has stated that criticism from the Ukrainian leader will not influence Budapest's official position regarding Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shared this statement on his social media account.
He noted that political attacks from Ukraine have reached a new level over the past week. According to Orban, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has resorted to personal attacks due to Hungary's refusal to support Ukraine's accelerated accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister emphasized that with these steps, the Ukrainian leader is effectively questioning the sovereign decision of the Hungarian people, who voted against Ukraine's EU integration in a 2025 referendum.
Orban added that as the Prime Minister of Hungary, he is obligated to ensure the implementation of the Hungarian people's decision and will continue this policy regardless of President Zelenskyy's position. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Budapest and Kyiv over minority rights and the pace of EU enlargement.
The European Union's accession process typically requires the unanimous consent of all member states, making Hungary's stance a significant hurdle for Ukraine's European aspirations. Historically, Budapest has frequently utilized its veto power within the bloc to negotiate specific concessions or to express disagreement with Brussels' centralized policies. This latest friction underscores the complex geopolitical landscape as Ukraine seeks deeper integration with Western institutions while navigating regional diplomatic challenges.
