Zelenskyy: I believe Orbán will lose election and relations with Hungary will be normalised
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will lose the upcoming election, allowing for the normalization of relations between Ukraine and Hungary.
In a recent interview with the Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the current state of relations between Ukraine and Hungary, particularly focusing on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political standing. Zelenskyy conveyed his belief that Orbán's party will lose the forthcoming elections, which he views as a pivotal moment for improving Ukraine-Hungary relations. He emphasized that Hungary's significance is not rooted in military power but in its strategic decisions and political alignment within Europe.
Zelenskyy's remarks also touched on Hungary's role in European security and the influence of pro-Russian forces in the region. He indicated that Orbán's political power is bolstered by critical political support, yet expressed confidence that the likelihood of Orbán retaining power is low. He mentioned that he has had more fruitful communications with Robert Fico, the Slovak politician, indicating a shift in focus towards leaders who may align more closely with Ukrainian interests.
Overall, Zelenskyy’s comments reflect a broader hope for a shift in Hungarian politics that could facilitate stronger ties with Ukraine. The potential loss of Orbán in the elections is viewed as a key opportunity to restore and strengthen diplomatic relations, aligning Hungary more closely with the Ukrainian perspective against Russian influence. This scenario could signify a significant geopolitical realignment in Central Europe, impacting both regional security and European unity against external threats.