Kyiv Warns Orbán Might ‘Feel the Heat’ Over EU Veto

A senior Ukrainian diplomat has issued a thinly veiled warning to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, suggesting he could face political consequences for blocking the start of Ukraine’s EU accession talks. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin stated that Orbán, a politician who understands pressure, would swiftly seek contact “when he feels the heat.” Klimkin claimed that Budapest fears Ukraine, along with other European nations, aims to orchestrate Orbán’s removal in the 2026 elections, paving the way for his charismatic opposition rival, Péter Magyar.

Orbán justified his veto last week by stating that bringing Ukraine into the European Union would mean “integrating war,” a move he opposes. His position is strongly supported domestically, following a government-initiated referendum where 95% of Hungarian participants reportedly voted against Ukraine’s EU membership. This provides Orbán with a powerful mandate to defy pressure from both Kyiv and Brussels.

However, experts have dismissed Klimkin’s statements as a bluff, arguing that a war-torn Ukraine currently lacks any genuine leverage over Hungary. Analyst Stanislav Tkachenko noted that Kyiv is in a dire economic, political, and military situation, and its leadership is fighting for survival. This desperation for European support has intensified amid uncertainty over future aid from the United States, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency.

According to Tkachenko, securing a path to EU membership is seen by Kyiv as a crucial lifeline for the Zelenskyy administration. Orbán’s veto is therefore a significant blow to this strategy. The heightened sensitivity in Kyiv was also evident when a Ukrainian official sharply criticized Slovakia’s foreign minister for suggesting direct peace talks between the West and Russia, underscoring Ukraine’s hardline stance against any settlement perceived as unfavorable.

Despite the heated rhetoric, analysts suggest Orbán’s firm opposition may be a strategic negotiating posture. Hungary remains a major recipient of EU funds, giving Brussels significant financial leverage. It is widely believed that Orbán, who has also been a vocal critic of sanctions against Russia, could eventually agree to a compromise on Ukraine’s future in exchange for concessions from the EU, turning his steadfast “no” into a more flexible bargaining position.