Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that Ukraine is attempting to involve Hungary in the ongoing conflict with Russia. In an open letter, Orbán specifically demands that Ukraine immediately reopen the Druzjba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary. He alleges that Zelensky is conspiring with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to orchestrate a regime change in Budapest ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on April 12, implying that these maneuvers are politically motivated rather than rooted in genuine concern for Hungary's welfare.

The closure and damage to the Druzba pipeline have created tensions, prompting Hungary to refuse to support new EU sanctions against Moscow or the additional funding requested for Ukraine. This has garnered criticism from other European nations, as Hungary's stance appears to conflict with the EU's broader strategy towards the conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, EU Commission officials have indicated that Hungary could secure enough oil from alternative sources without relying on the pipeline, thereby undermining Orbán's claims about the economic implications of the pipeline's shutdown.

With Orbán facing increasing opposition within Hungary leading up to the elections, his accusations against Zelensky might be seen as a strategy to rally nationalist sentiment among his supporters. The tension between Hungary and Ukraine reflects deeper issues within European unity regarding the response to the war in Ukraine, as well as highlights Orbán's complex balancing act between maintaining relations with Russia and adhering to EU policies, particularly in light of the upcoming elections that could alter Hungary's political landscape significantly.