In an exclusive interview with the Hungarian media outlet Válasz Online, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, accusing him of “Ukraine-hating” and “anti-European” policies. According to the head of state, Orban is using the war in Ukraine for domestic political purposes and, in Zelenskyy’s opinion, is making a “historic mistake.”
“He is betting on good relations with Putin and bad relations with Ukraine. He thinks he will win, but I am convinced he will lose. Historically,” the Ukrainian president said.
On Orban’s position
Zelenskyy believes that the actions of the Hungarian prime minister harm not only Ukraine but also Europe itself. He recalled the anti-Ukrainian billboards with his portrait in Hungary and criticized the referendum on Ukraine’s membership in the EU as “unethical interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.”
On Russian aggression
The President emphasized that Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for years, and massive missile and drone attacks are not a response to Ukrainian actions, but part of Putin’s long-term strategy to destroy Ukrainian statehood.
“Putin doesn’t just want to destroy our cities, he wants to destroy the Ukrainian nation,” he emphasized.
On peace talks
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is ready for negotiations, including on the exchange of prisoners and a ceasefire, but is not going to discuss the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
“I will talk about the territories only with Putin, the one who seized them. This is not a matter for intermediaries,” he said.
On mobilization and support from the West
Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulties with mobilization, especially among young people, but emphasized that the war is won not only by numbers, but also by technology, finance, and sanctions pressure. He called on Western leaders to act more decisively.
“Peace through strength is not difficult, it just requires political will,” he explained.
On the Hungarian spy scandal
The President confirmed that the Ukrainian special services have a complete evidence base on the activities of Hungarian intelligence in the border regions.
“We have photos, videos, correspondence. If necessary, we will make everything public,” he warned.
On the future of Ukraine
In conclusion, Zelenskyy emphasized that his main goal is peace and the rebuilding of the state.
“I have no other dream. I just want Ukraine to live in peace,” the president summarized.