Budapest – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has increasingly positioned himself as a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin within the European Union since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now, the controversial leader has made a further provocative statement regarding the eastern neighbor, declaring Ukraine an “enemy” of Hungary.
“Ukraine is not an opponent, but rather an enemy,” Orbán stated, according to reports from Bild Zeitung and The Kyiv Independent.
The statement follows Ukraine’s call for a halt to the purchase of Russian gas. The EU Council recently decided to ban the purchase of Russian gas by 2027. Orbán’s assertion centers on the economic implications of this policy for Hungary.
“As long as Ukraine wants to cut us off from cheap Russian energy, Ukraine, excuse the expression, is our enemy. Ukraine is violating our fundamental interests by demanding this, and by inciting Brussels to disconnect Hungary from the cheap Russian energy,” Orbán said.
Both Hungary and Slovakia are heavily reliant on Russian gas and have lodged complaints with the EU Court of Justice regarding the import ban. This dependence underscores the economic vulnerability that shapes Hungary’s position.
Rejection of EU Membership for Ukraine
Orbán made these remarks while attending a campaign event in Szombathely. He also used the occasion to reject the possibility of Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union. His rhetoric reflects a growing divergence between Hungary’s foreign policy objectives and the broader consensus within the EU.
“Hungarians should not want any military or economic cooperation with Ukraine, because it would drag us into the war,” Orbán stated, as reported by Bild. This sentiment highlights Orbán’s consistent efforts to distance Hungary from direct involvement in the conflict.
Orbán also reportedly claimed that the war in Ukraine is not Hungary’s concern, despite the presence of a significant Hungarian minority in western Ukraine. This assertion has drawn criticism from those who argue that Hungary has a moral and strategic interest in the stability of its neighbor.
Amidst Election Campaign
Hungary is scheduled to hold elections for a new National Assembly on . Recent polling data suggests that Orbán’s Fidesz party is facing a challenging electoral landscape. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Hungary’s future direction and its relationship with the EU.
A poll conducted on showed the moderate right-wing Tisza party leading Orbán’s ruling party by ten percentage points. This represents a significant shift in public opinion and suggests growing dissatisfaction with Orbán’s long-standing leadership.
Orbán has been in power in Hungary for 16 years. This year’s election is widely seen as potentially transformative for the EU, and for the political currents that will shape the union in the coming years. The election outcome will likely influence the EU’s approach to issues such as energy security, migration, and relations with Russia.
Orbán’s increasingly strident rhetoric towards Ukraine, coupled with his opposition to EU sanctions against Russia, reflects a broader trend of nationalist populism within the EU. His stance challenges the EU’s collective response to the conflict in Ukraine and raises questions about the future of European unity.
The European response to Orbán’s statements has been largely critical. While acknowledging Hungary’s legitimate concerns about energy security, other EU leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front against Russian aggression. The tension between Hungary and its EU partners underscores the challenges of forging a cohesive foreign policy within a diverse and often divided union.
The situation is further complicated by Hungary’s complicated enlargement policy, which prioritizes the Western Balkans over Ukraine for potential EU membership. This stance, as noted by Euronews, highlights a divergence in strategic priorities within the EU and raises questions about the future of enlargement policy.
