Orbán's top rival shocks with mixed message on Ukraine and Russia

Speaking at an event organized parallel to Orbán's annual policy address, Magyar said his party, Tisza, does not support Ukraine's accelerated EU membership bid. He also opposed the new EU budget, which is already under discussion.

Magyar said he is preparing for long and difficult negotiations on these matters and will prioritize Hungary's national interests.

He criticized Orbán for using the EU veto right not in Hungary's interest, but for personal political motives.

Magyar said that Hungary must responsibly manage its common home, Europe, together with its European allies.

At the same time, he stressed there is no doubt who the aggressor is in the Russia-Ukraine war. He added that contacts with Moscow are acceptable when they could help persuade the Kremlin to seek peace.

Magyar said Hungary should take action to stop the war, rather than "just talk, post statements, and scare people with escalation."

He also noted that if the United States were to broker a realistic peace proposal acceptable to Ukraine, then Hungary's leader should call Russian President Vladimir Putin or "board a military transport plane and at least persuade the Russian president to read it."

Additionally, Magyar emphasized that Hungary will have to choose whether it wants to be part of the progressive Western world or align with a group of undemocratic countries led by Russia.

Magyar said that Hungary must not drift and should take its place at the Western table. He emphasized that the country should not sway back and forth between East and West, as "Hungary's place was, is, and will remain in Europe."

He also remarked that if Hungary expects others not to interfere in its domestic affairs, it should act the same way and respect the sovereignty of other countries.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled in Hungary for April next year. The main contenders are Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party and Peter Magyar's opposition party Tisza.

However, the election campaign in Hungary poses risks for Ukraine. In a separate report, RBC-Ukraine analyzed the positions of the main political forces.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Hungary has moved into the category of hostile countries in the eyes of Ukrainians and is perceived as an ally of Russia. Hungary now stands alongside North Korea, China, Iran, and Belarus.