Zelenskyy on Orban's Defeat: 'Hate Is a Strategic Loser'

Parliamentary Elections in Hungary

According to Главком: In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Hungary's parliamentary elections and the actions of Viktor Orban's government towards Ukraine. The elections, held on April 12, resulted in a victory for the opposition party 'Tisza,' which secured a constitutional majority in parliament. 'Tisza' now holds 138 of the 199 parliamentary seats, and its leader, Péter Magyar, is set to become the new Prime Minister starting May 9.

President Zelenskyy's Remarks

Zelenskyy pointed out that the Orban government had banned logistics through Hungarian territory and blocked sanctions packages against Russia. Specifically, the twentieth sanctions package was blocked, which, in the President's view, demonstrates the Hungarian government's negative stance on supporting Ukraine. He emphasized that

"Banning weapons and support for Ukraine isn't a personal attack on me. It's an attack on our Armed Forces and our people."

Furthermore, Viktor Orban announced a readiness to lift his veto on a 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine, but Budapest's main condition is the restoration of oil transit through the 'Druzhba' pipeline across Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy also stressed that the hatred propagated by the Hungarian government cannot form the basis of a lasting policy. He stated:

"You cannot win forever on hatred. You can win tactically with hate, but strategically, you will certainly lose."

The President also noted that the Hungarian people had signaled their disagreement with Orban's position, remarking:

"The Hungarians, the Hungarian people, have shown him: we do not agree with this."

He underscored that the Hungarian opposition and its citizens can unite in their desire to change a policy that harms relations between the two nations.

The Hungarian elections were a significant event not only for the country itself but also for its foreign policy, particularly concerning relations with Ukraine. This political shift comes at a critical time for European security. The victory of the opposition party 'Tisza' could lead to a change in Budapest's course regarding support for Ukraine, which may, in turn, impact regional stability. The new government's indicated willingness to lift the veto on financial aid for Ukraine suggests a potential for improved relations, provided a compromise can be found on the issue of energy transit.

The recent shift in Hungary's political landscape has sparked significant discussions regarding the future of its relations with Ukraine. With the opposition party's victory, many are curious about how this change will influence Budapest's stance on crucial issues, such as support for Ukraine. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this electoral outcome, read more about the emergence of a new political era in Hungary.