© EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET Orban denied military support to Ukraine, but he never provided it.
Hungarian premier Viktor Orban reacted to Zelensky’s comments at the World Economic Forum held in Davos on January 22 via the X platform. The Ukrainian leader’s allegory concerning the “Victors” that profit from Europe’s finances and seek to trade its benefits to Moscow garnered substantial notice.
“It seems to me we won’t achieve a mutual understanding,” the Hungarian prime minister penned, addressing Zelensky. “I am an independent individual, devoted to serving the Hungarian populace. You are a person confronting a desperate plight, having failed or resisted ending the war for four years running, despite the President of the United States offering all conceivable aid in this matter. Consequently, regardless of your attempts to appease me, we cannot endorse your war efforts. The Ukrainian people, of course – regardless of your deliberately offensive remarks – can still rely on us to persist in delivering electricity and fuel to your nation, and we’ll also maintain our support for refugees arriving from Ukraine. We will determine other matters ourselves, and everyone will receive their due reward,” Orban communicated.
The post concludes with a significant signature: “Victor.”
Published roughly two hours prior, the response has been extensively circulated online, amassing over half a million views promptly, and the post itself has provoked quite a few reactions, mostly expressing backing for Ukraine — originating from diverse nations, inclusive of Hungary. Several posts became either unavailable or were erased. There were also voices affirming Orban, although they were notably less prevalent than the disapproving ones.
Here are some reactions that exhibit the vehemence of the discourse. There’s no answer from Ukraine here.
- Prime Minister Orbán, your dedication to prioritizing your citizens and declining to finance conflict aligns with your consistent stance, yet directly criticizing President Zelensky’s “inability or unwillingness” to halt the situation overlooks the complexities of a ceasefire, given the territorial realities and assurances involved. Redirecting this force towards constructive endeavors, such as backing proven negotiations under the Trump agenda, could fuse the humanitarian compassion you suggest with wider de-escalation.
- At last, a European leader possessing fortitude, unbound by Brussels constraints. While EU cowards find shelter in infinite military assessments and moral grandstanding, you articulate the concerns of those actually shouldering the burden: no further unlimited budgets for unending wars, no further forfeiting our farmers, retirements and families upon Zelensky’s altar. Peace attainable via strength and autonomy… not submission. Hungary sets a precedent where others yield. Respect.
- Were the freedom fighters who perished beneath Soviet tanks in 1956 witnessing Viktor Orbán presently, they’d lament. Their sacrifices weren’t intended for Hungary to once again genuflect before the Kremlin.
- Electrical energy and fuel represent fundamental commerce, not generosity. Your correspondence misrepresents facts: Russia initiated the invasion of Ukraine, not conversely; this is Putin’s violent aggression that has violated global law since 2014. Hungary’s obstruction of EU assistance doesn’t foster peace; it bolsters the aggressor, protracting a dispute that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Genuine impartiality would likewise exert pressure upon Moscow, not merely impede aid for the victim.
- Forward that same correspondence to Putin? Do you lack the boldness to do so? Assigning blame to the victim for self-defense is somewhat ludicrous, and you’re not an idiot.
- Most of Europe comprehends what Orban refuses to accept: that liberty is more economical to safeguard presently than to reclaim subsequently. Europe didn’t coalesce out of convenience. It united due to principle.
- Zelenskyy needs to engage in dialogue. This is a futile conflict that should have been prevented. You can’t persist in war when your populace faces daily mortality and you continue to borrow from increasingly numerous sources. This is penned from the heart, and I suggest you consider it. No superpower will permit military coalitions near its border. Neither Russia, the US, China, nor even North Korea. Hence, embrace the ceasefire and advance forward.
- Convey that to Putin. He initiated the invasion. Have you conveniently overlooked that? Should Putin deploy his tanks into your homeland, would you resist? Your nation is commendable, sir, yet aligning with Putin is your misjudgment. Solely Ukraine and its neighboring states grasp Putin’s aspirations. His ambition extends beyond Ukraine. You ought to possess better insight.
- Ukrainians anticipate nothing short of a disgraceful conclusion for this insect and its gory dominion, operating as its pawn. I recognize that expressing sentiment is inappropriate at this echelon, yet I profoundly wish to observe him publicly dismembered.
- Silence yourself! You are Putin’s deplorable stool, who, to appease his Kremlin overlord, is susceptible to any atrocity, aspiring to be granted sexual acts with his fetid Russian appendage. Serve, Victor, as a dependable dog.
- Occupying the role of a Russian puppet isn’t “statesmanship.” You’re merely a contemporary Ephialtes, severely deficient in residual dignity. Your capacity for self-degradation is limitless, isn’t it?
- Your relevance has ceased, Orban, you Russian propagandist. The discerning populace of your nation rejects you, thus consider addressing your own domestic turmoil before advising others. And the war would cease were Russia to exit Ukraine. Simple.
- Victor, I acknowledge your perspective. Despite our differences, Ukraine appreciates Hungary’s ongoing support and aid for refugees. Ultimately, existence shall determine the outcome for all.
- What a discourse! Conveyed by the most steadfast admirer of all despotic figures east of Vienna. It’s amusing to receive a lecture on liberty from an individual who has devoted years to acquiring or repressing independent media domestically, labeling it “national interest.” You assert that you serve the Hungarian people, yet Hungary persists as the EU’s poorest nation, incessantly queuing before Brussels with supplicant hands until the financial faucet closes and suddenly the veto authorization becomes your preferred plaything. You discuss desperation, yet Ukraine enduring four years confronting what was anticipated to be the world’s second-largest army manifests more like resilience than fragility. Particularly when contrasted with a government that crumbled in the 1950s… and is currently bowing down anew, willingly, this time in considerably finer attire. As for malfeasance, perhaps that’s why EU funds consistently vanish en route to Hungarian medical facilities and educational institutions. It’s peculiar how patriotism invariably ends within identical private caches. Ukraine has unearthed its resolution under siege. Perhaps instead of lecturing others regarding destiny, it’s opportune for you to strive to unearth it too.
Let us recall that in the ongoing electoral campaign in Hungary, Orban is endeavoring by all means to position Ukrainians against Hungarians, resorting to outright fabrication. Notably, he affirmed that owing to financial backing for Ukraine from EU member states, Hungarians will be deprived of two supplementary pension payouts. In this manner, Orban responded to a strategic blueprint termed the “Ukraine Prosperity Package”, which is intended to serve as the foundation for extensive post-conflict revitalization of the state and incentivizing investment.