In a recent open letter, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to modify what he perceives as an 'anti-Hungarian policy' that has persisted over the past four years. Orbán accuses Zelenskyy of failing to acknowledge the sovereignty of Hungary concerning its stance on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. He portrays Zelenskyy's actions as attempts to embroil Hungary in the conflict, essentially pressing for Hungary to align itself with Ukraine against Russia, which Orbán categorically rejects.

Orbán further contends that Zelenskyy's alignment with European institutions and support from the Hungarian opposition is indicative of a broader strategy to undermine the Hungarian government and its relationship with Moscow. He claims this coordinated effort aims to facilitate the rise of a pro-Ukraine government in Hungary, which Orbán asserts would not reflect the Hungarian populace's interests or beliefs. This political friction highlights the intricate relationships and tensions within Central and Eastern Europe as countries navigate their own national interests vis-à-vis the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Moreover, Orbán emphasizes the implications of the Druzhba oil pipeline in his argument, describing it as essential to Hungary's energy security. He accuses Zelenskyy of obstructing the pipeline's operation, which would threaten Hungary's energy supply. This assertion signals the significance of energy politics in the context of regional stability and Hungary's strategic position in the geopolitics of the Russo-Ukrainian war, illustrating the complexity of diplomatic relations influenced by national interests and external pressures from broader geopolitical alignments.