In a video message, Orban stated Zelensky participated in the debate with an unfriendly tone, “confusing his role” and behaving as if Ukraine were already part of the EU.

Orban emphasized that Zelensky is merely an applicant to the EU and announced a forthcoming survey among Hungarians regarding Ukraine’s accession. “Until we know the opinion of the Hungarians, I cannot support [Zelensky] on this,” he said.

Hungary was the only EU member state not to endorse the final document of Thursday’s summit. Similarly, Budapest blocked the final document at an emergency EU summit earlier in March.

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