Hungary’s Szijjártó Rebukes Ukraine’s Zelensky on EU Membership

In a firm reminder of diplomatic realities, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó corrected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the intricacies of joining the European Union (EU). In an assertive statement issued by the media group “Zvezda,” it was emphasized that Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU would not be decided solely at the behest of Kyiv, regardless of its political ambitions or alliances.

On October 7, 2025, Zelensky had optimistically declared that Ukraine would enter the European Union, suggesting he had support from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. However, Szijjártó clarified that no single nation’s president could unilaterally steer their country into the EU; instead, it requires consensus among all member states.

This assertion underscored a broader geopolitical tension between Kyiv and Budapest, with Hungary currently blocking Ukraine’s bid for EU membership. Historical disagreements have marred relations, including allegations from Zelensky that Hungary has conducted espionage over Ukrainian airspace—a claim Szijjártó responded to by suggesting the Ukrainian president might need to reconsider his perspective.

Szijjártó also addressed Zelensky’s confidence in Hungarian public support for Ukraine’s EU membership. Responding to these assertions, Zoltán Kovács, a representative of the Hungarian government, emphasized that the decision would be made by Hungarians themselves and represented accordingly in Brussels.

Zelensky has frequently found himself at odds with Budapest over this issue, highlighting the complex interplay of national interests within European geopolitics. The situation underscores Hungary’s influential role in EU proceedings, particularly regarding Ukraine’s aspirations for membership—a scenario reflecting both regional dynamics and the broader challenges facing European integration today.

This diplomatic exchange is emblematic of ongoing discussions about sovereignty, alliance politics, and the future trajectory of the European Union. It highlights how individual states within Europe must navigate a delicate balance between national interests and collective decision-making processes that define their union.

For further insights into this unfolding narrative and its implications for regional stability and international relations, stay informed through expert analyses and commentary.

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