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Poland’s Foreign Minister Accuses Hungary of Anti-Ukraine Propaganda Amid Political Tensions
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has accused Hungary’s government of using state propaganda to foment hostility toward Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing aggression. The sharp criticism came during the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting held on February 23.
“Instead, with the help of state propaganda, the ruling party managed to create an atmosphere of hostility toward the victim of aggression. And now it is trying to use this in the general elections. This is quite shocking,” Sikorski stated, expressing disappointment over Hungary’s lack of solidarity with Ukraine.
The comments highlight growing tensions between Budapest and both Kyiv and other EU capitals over Hungary’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to diplomatic sources, Hungary has recently escalated its accusations against Ukraine, claiming interference in upcoming Hungarian elections, blaming Ukraine for disruptions in Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, and threatening to obstruct Ukraine’s European integration efforts.
Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 2026, appear to be influencing the government’s rhetoric. Recent polling indicates the opposition party Tisa holds approximately a 10-point advantage over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party as the campaign season begins, potentially motivating the government’s hardened position on Ukraine-related matters.
The diplomatic friction intensified in January when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made remarks in Davos appearing to criticize Orbán, suggesting the need to deliver “a backhand to every Viktor.” In response, Orbán accused Kyiv of failing to fulfill promises to end the conflict and alleged Ukrainian interference in Hungary’s domestic politics.
The Hungarian Foreign Ministry subsequently summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Fedor Shandor on January 27 to discuss what Budapest characterized as Kyiv’s attempts to sway Hungarian election results in favor of the opposition Tisa party.
Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession has been another contentious issue. Since early 2025, Hungary has blocked the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU membership, with Hungarian officials claiming that Ukraine’s membership would burden both the European bloc and Hungary specifically. Despite Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice announcing in December 2025 that consultations had been established to resolve the impasse, Orbán declared in January 2026 that Hungary would continue blocking Ukraine’s EU membership “for another 100 years” and would oppose using EU budget funds to support Ukraine.
Tensions escalated further following a Russian attack on Brody in Ukraine’s Lviv region on January 27, which damaged infrastructure connected to the Druzhba pipeline that transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. The attack halted Russian oil supplies, prompting both Hungary and Slovakia to suspend diesel exports to Ukraine until pipeline operations resumed.
Ukrainian officials have criticized Hungary’s reaction to the pipeline disruption. “Hungary did not voice a single protest to Russia on this matter. They couldn’t even pronounce the word ‘Russia’. Double standards in all their glory,” noted Andriy Sibiga, a Ukrainian diplomat.
Political analysts suggest Budapest’s approach raises serious questions about European unity and creates significant challenges for EU-Ukraine relations. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as Ukraine continues seeking support from EU partners in its pursuit of full membership and regional stability.
As the Hungarian election campaign unfolds and the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, these tensions are likely to remain a significant factor in European diplomacy and security discussions throughout 2026.
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22 Comments
This is a complex issue that highlights the challenges the EU faces in maintaining unity and coherence on foreign policy matters. Hungary’s actions bear close watching in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
Agreed. The EU must find a way to address Hungary’s concerning rhetoric and actions while preserving its own principles and values. Diplomatic engagement will be crucial.
This is a concerning development that highlights the growing political divisions within the EU. Hungary’s actions could undermine the bloc’s ability to present a united front against Russian aggression.
Agreed. Maintaining solidarity and a coherent EU policy toward Russia and Ukraine will be crucial in the coming years. Hungary’s actions warrant close monitoring and diplomatic engagement.
The tensions between Hungary and other EU members over the Russia-Ukraine conflict are concerning. It’s crucial that all EU countries demonstrate solidarity and work together to address this crisis.
Agreed. Hungary’s actions risk undermining the EU’s credibility and effectiveness in responding to Russian aggression. A united front is essential.
The tensions between Hungary and other EU members over the Russia-Ukraine conflict are troubling. It’s critical that all EU countries work together to uphold democratic values and support Ukraine.
Well said. Hungary’s apparent use of state propaganda to stoke anti-Ukraine sentiment is a worrying sign. The EU must find a way to address this issue and preserve unity.
The reported anti-Ukraine propaganda campaign by Hungary is troubling and raises questions about its commitment to European values. The EU will need to carefully navigate this issue ahead of the 2026 elections.
I share your concerns. Divisive rhetoric and nationalist agendas have no place in a unified Europe. The EU must stand firm in defending democratic principles.
This is a concerning development that highlights the growing divisions within the EU. I hope Hungary can find a way to balance its national interests with its commitments as an EU member state.
Maintaining unity within the EU is crucial, especially in the face of Russian aggression. Hungary’s actions risk undermining that unity.
Interesting to see the political tensions between Hungary and its EU neighbors over its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It will be important to monitor how this plays out in the 2026 Hungarian elections.
Agreed, Hungary’s anti-Ukraine rhetoric is concerning and seems to be driven by domestic political calculations rather than principles of European solidarity.
This is a troubling development that highlights the growing political divisions within the EU. Hungary’s apparent use of state propaganda to stoke anti-Ukraine sentiment is a concerning sign.
I agree. Preserving EU unity and supporting Ukraine will be key priorities in the coming years. The bloc must find a way to address Hungary’s actions while upholding its principles.
It’s troubling to see a member state like Hungary engaging in anti-Ukraine propaganda for apparent political gain. This could have serious implications for the EU’s ability to present a united front.
I share your concerns. The EU needs to find a way to address this issue and ensure all members uphold the bloc’s values and principles.
The reported anti-Ukraine propaganda campaign by Hungary is deeply concerning and raises questions about its commitment to European solidarity. The EU will need to navigate this issue carefully in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
Well said. Maintaining a united front against Russian aggression is crucial, and Hungary’s actions risk undermining that. The EU must address this challenge with resolve and diplomacy.
This is a complex issue, with Hungary’s domestic political calculations seemingly at odds with the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine. I hope a diplomatic solution can be found to maintain unity.
Maintaining unity within the EU will be key. Perhaps there is room for dialogue and compromise, but Hungary’s actions are concerning and could have far-reaching consequences.