Orbán opposes Ukraine’s EU membership and criticizes Zelenskyy over Hungarian funds

"We believe the Union should enter into a strategic partnership with Ukraine without EU membership. This is our proposal. We will stick to this position in the future, as we have every right to do so," he wrote.

He also noted that Hungary’s contribution is included in the funds Ukraine receives from the EU, adding that he is "happy" about this.

"I would also draw the President’s attention (President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy - ed.) to the fact that the support Ukraine receives from the European Union includes Hungarian money as well. We are not happy about it, but it is still a fact," Orbán said.

The Hungarian prime minister emphasized that any decision on Ukraine’s EU integration would be made unanimously by member states. He pointed out that each country has the sovereign right to support or oppose the accession of a new member.

"Hungary does not support and will not support Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, as it would bring war to Europe and funnel Hungarian money to Ukraine," the politician argued.

Orbán also stated that Ukraine "does not protect Hungary from anyone or anything."

"The security of Hungary is guaranteed by our national defence capabilities and by NATO, of which Ukraine is (fortunately) not a member," he wrote.

The Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly attempted, on various fabricated pretexts, to turn Hungarians against Ukraine’s EU integration. In particular, he has warned that Ukraine’s accession to the EU would "destroy" the Hungarian economy.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Orbán is effectively supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin by blocking Ukraine’s EU membership.