In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's election campaign utilizes hostility towards Ukraine as a central theme. Zelenskyy highlighted that Orbán not only criticizes Ukraine generally but also targets Zelenskyy personally, portraying him in a negative light. This approach, according to Zelenskyy, serves as a key component of Orbán's electoral strategy.

Zelenskyy further elaborated on the broader implications of this hostility, mentioning the significant Russian influence in Europe. He characterized this influence as one of the largest tools for disseminating Kremlin narratives, suggesting that it might fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiment not only in Hungary but across the continent. The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over how such tactics could negatively impact European unity and cooperation regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Moreover, Zelenskyy cautioned against generalizing the views of all Hungarians based on Orbán's rhetoric, implying that the Hungarian populace may not share the same hostility towards Ukraine. He emphasized that the election's outcome could either reinforce or challenge the divisive narratives perpetuated by Orbán, making it a significant point of observation for future Ukrainian-Hungarian relations.