Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s team is engaging with figures close to Donald Trump, spreading false narratives about the causes of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum in Kyiv on February 23, Zelenskyy stated: "I know that there are people from this Hungarian leader who have contact with people in President Trump’s orbit, and are constantly raising questions… in regards to not expanding NATO into Eastern Europe."
He condemned the claim — frequently promoted by Russia — that NATO’s expansion was responsible for Moscow’s full-scale invasion, arguing that NATO membership protects former Soviet states from Russian aggression, rather than provoking it.
This development was reported by United24 Media.
Orban’s Ties to Putin
Orban has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, consistently criticizing EU aid to Ukraine and blocking sanctions against Moscow.
In February 2024, he suggested that Ukraine should remain a neutral “buffer zone”, advocating for security guarantees but no NATO or EU membership.
According to sources within Hungary’s government, Trump has reached out to Orban multiple times since winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election, reportedly seeking advice on how to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump himself has previously expressed sympathy for Russia’s opposition to NATO expansion, stating: "I could understand their feelings."
Zelenskyy also dismissed the idea of a settlement that would leave Ukraine owing the United States $500 billion, signaling his resistance to any agreement that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty.
