Hungary Blocks Ukraine's EU Accession Amid Ongoing Tensions

Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have escalated over Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó insisting that Hungary retains the right to block Ukraine's accession. Orban has argued that Ukraine's EU membership would harm Hungary's economy and criticized the EU's fast-tracking of Ukraine's application, while also disputing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that a majority of Hungarians support Ukraine's bid. Zelenskyy, citing opposition-conducted polls, claims public sentiment in Hungary favors Ukraine’s EU membership, but Hungarian officials say these figures are exaggerated and that actual support is lower. Szijjártó and Orban assert that any decision will be made by Hungarians, referencing a national consultative vote heavily promoted by the government, and accuse Zelenskyy of interfering in Hungarian domestic affairs. The Hungarian government is using the referendum to legitimize its opposition, while Zelenskyy claims Orban's stance is politically motivated and undermines European unity. All sources agree that Hungary’s approval is necessary for Ukraine to join the EU, leaving Ukraine's prospects uncertain as Budapest maintains its resistance.