The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, stated on March 5 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky threatened him during a press briefing that day. Orban’s remarks were supported by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who warned of blocking a €90 billion loan from the European Union to Ukraine.
During the briefing, Zelensky discussed the outcomes of a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the Cabinet regarding government operations. He expressed reliance on the Ukrainian budget and EU assistance for military funding, adding:
“We hope that one person in the European Union will not block €90 billion or the first tranche of €90 billion so that our soldiers have weapons. Otherwise, we will provide that person’s address to our armed forces. Let them call and communicate in their own language.”
Orban interpreted Zelensky’s comments as a direct threat to Hungary, stating, “President Zelensky is not threatening me. He is threatening Hungary. Unfortunately for him, he cannot prevent me from protecting Hungarian families.” He reiterated claims that Ukraine is obstructing oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline.
“They [Ukrainian authorities] are not doing us a favor; they cannot bargain with this. It is their obligation under the agreement made with the European Union. I will use all means necessary to break this oil blockade,” Orban added.
Fico expressed full solidarity with Orban, condemning Zelensky’s actions as “blackmailing behavior.” He warned that if Zelensky continues this conduct, other EU member states might also block the €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which is scheduled for disbursement in 2026 and 2027.
Fico also called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, to distance themselves from what he termed “outrageous blackmailing statements.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of threatening Hungary during a press briefing, while Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned of blocking an EU loan to Ukraine. The situation raises concerns about the future of financial assistance amid escalating tensions between the nations.