Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his address in Davos, said that pro-Russian politicians in Europe were acting against the European Union while benefiting from it financially, which could be seen as a public rebuke of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Telex.hu writes.

Zelenskiy warned that forces seeking to undermine Europe were operating openly from within the continent. Without naming Orban directly, he said that politicians who "live off European money" while trying to "sell out European interests deserve a dope slap".  Europe should not allow its capitals to become "little Moscow", he added.

The Ukrainian leader also criticised Europe more broadly, arguing that instead of acting in unity against Russia and becoming a true global power, the continent risked remaining a fragmented group of small and medium-sized states.

Pro-government media framed the speech as an attack on Hungary and an attempt by the Ukrainian president to intervene in the 2026 election campaign. This chimes with Fidesz rhetoric, which claims that the opposition Tisza Party is a puppet of Brussels and Kyiv, working hand in hand to undermine Hungary’s interests.

This narrative is expected to remain a central pillar of Fidesz’s campaign, marked by fear-based messaging and disinformation. Four years ago, the ruling nationalist party successfully mobilised voters by claiming that the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate would send Hungarian troops to Ukraine.

Fidesz continue to level exaggerated accusations against its rivals, alleging that they support Ukraine’s fast-tracked accession to the European Union and advocate financial assistance for Kyiv, while at the same time obstructing efforts to unlock frozen EU funds for Hungary. 

Since the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Hungarian government has repeatedly delayed or blocked key EU decisions, including providing financial aid for Ukraine, imposing sanctions against Russia, and frequently using its veto leverage in the process.

Orban has steadfastly refused to support the start of accession talks with Kyiv, saying that the country’s membership would destroy the EU economy. 

Hungary’s veteran leader has also maintained direct political contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which were widely seen as weakening EU unity and as lending political legitimacy to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Breaking ranks with the EU, Budapest deepened energy ties to Moscow since the war, despite EU plans to phase out the purchase of Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Orban responded swiftly to Zelenskiy's jab, posting on X that Ukraine and Hungary would not reach an agreement. He described himself as a "free man" who represents the interests of the Hungarian people, and accused the Ukrainian leader of failing to end the war despite years of substantial support from the United States. He reiterated that Hungary would not support Ukraine’s war efforts.

At the same time, he said Hungary would continue to provide Ukraine with electricity and fuel and would continue to assist refugees fleeing the country. He concluded his X post by saying, "Life will decide the rest, and everyone will get what they deserve."