Zelensky: I believe that Orban will be defeated in the elections.

Zelensky anticipates improvement in relations with Hungary following a change in government

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that relations with Hungary might normalize following a possible defeat of the current Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the elections. He shared this in an interview with the Italian publication Corriere della Sera.

According to Zelensky, the current Hungarian government has a pro-Russian orientation, but he believes that the Hungarian people are not pro-Russian, and this creates opportunities for restoring normal relations. The President also emphasized the importance of stopping the purchase of energy resources from Russia, as this money is used by Russia to purchase weapons against Ukraine. Zelensky also mentioned his contact with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, highlighting Orban’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue.

The situation with the “Druzhba” pipeline, which supplies raw materials from Russia to Central European countries, did not go unnoticed either. Russia has repeatedly attacked this pipeline. The President noted the necessity to explain to Putin that a ceasefire is required for repair work.

The parliamentary elections in Hungary, which might determine the country’s future policy and improve relations with Europe and Ukraine, are scheduled for April 12, 2026. The Hungarian parliament will elect 199 deputies, 106 of whom will be elected in single-member constituencies, while the rest from party lists.

At the Davos forum, Zelensky hinted at Orban’s pro-Russian policy, prompting a statement from the Hungarian Prime Minister about “carefully selected insults.” Against this backdrop, Orban also expressed opposition to the possibility of Ukraine’s European integration.