Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced last night via a Facebook video that he has instructed Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to summon the Ukrainian ambassador to Hungary.

Orbán stated that Ukrainian political leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sent exceptionally aggressive and threatening messages against Hungary and his government last week.

“Our national security services assessed the recent Ukrainian attacks and concluded they are part of a coordinated series of actions aimed at interfering in the Hungarian elections,” the Prime Minister declared. He emphasized that Hungary will not allow anyone to jeopardize its sovereignty or the integrity of the electoral process.

“For this reason, I instructed Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to summon the Ukrainian ambassador. Hungary’s sovereignty and interests will be protected,” Orbán noted.

On January 13th, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok set April 12th as the date for parliamentary elections in the country.

The Escalating Tensions: A Deeper Dive

Last week, Orbán criticized Zelenskyy, labeling him a “man in desperate need” whose military efforts he would not support. This followed Zelenskyy’s own sharp critique of Europe, accusing it of being a “fragmented kaleidoscope” lacking the courage to act decisively and facing a bleak future unless it stands up to the US and Russia.

The backdrop to this diplomatic clash is Hungary’s struggling economy and the trailing position of Orbán’s Fidesz party in most polls against the opposition. Orbán is framing the upcoming elections as a choice between war and peace, simultaneously arguing that Ukraine does not deserve financial assistance.

“You are a man in desperate need and for four years now you have been unable or unwilling to end this war, despite all the help you have received from the President of the United States,” Orbán wrote on Facebook, directly addressing Zelenskyy. “Therefore, however much you may flatter me, we will not be able to support your military efforts,” he added.

The day before, Zelenskyy criticized Europe for its perceived lack of resolve.

Orbán’s Balancing Act: Russia and the West

Orbán, who maintains close ties with Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin, attempted to link opposition leader Péter Magyar to Brussels and Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of seeking regime change. “The Ukrainians will be active participants in the Hungarian election campaign, as they have a direct interest in a new government in Hungary,” Orbán stated.

The Hungarian Prime Minister announced plans to launch a “national petition” allowing citizens to “tell Brussels that Hungarians will not pay for Ukraine.” This message resonates with voters in rural areas and aligns with previous campaign themes against migration.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of Hungary’s relationship with both Russia and Ukraine is crucial to interpreting these events. Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy, creating a complex geopolitical dynamic.