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Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is effectively acting in the interests of Russia by blocking key decisions that support Ukraine, although he is not using military force.
In an interview with Politico, Zelenskyy said Orbán’s actions resemble those of the aggressor state Russia, except that Hungary is not attacking Ukraine with drones or missiles and is not sending troops.
According to the Ukrainian president, the Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly blocked sanctions and decisions related to assistance for Kyiv within the European Union.
“This is not a conflict between Hungary and Ukraine. It is a conflict between Europe and Hungary — or rather between Europe and the Hungarian prime minister, because it does not concern Hungarian society,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that Hungary has never provided military assistance to Ukraine and has refused to allow the transit of weapons through its territory. Zelenskyy also recalled that Orbán has previously described Russia as a strategic partner.
The president stressed that Ukraine expects financial support from European partners, particularly for the development of its domestic defense production.
Zelenskyy also said Russia has allies in its war against Ukraine, including leaders of North Korea, Belarus and China, who help Moscow bypass sanctions and weaken international pressure.
When asked directly whether he considers Orbán an ally of Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy replied: “Of course.”
“He is doing the same thing by blocking everything for Ukraine. The only thing he is not doing today is launching missiles or drones at our territory and sending his soldiers,” the Ukrainian president said.
At the same time, Politico noted that Zelenskyy has recently toughened his rhetoric toward critics and partners, openly criticizing European leaders for slow support for Kyiv and questioning the approach of Donald Trump to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. The outlet warned that such sharp rhetoric could risk alienating some of Ukraine’s partners.
