President Volodymyr Zelenskyy didn’t hold back at the Munich Security Conference, where he collected the Ewald von Kleist peace prize and reignited his feud with Hungary’s Viktor Orban. The Ukrainian leader mixed appreciation for allies with a masterclass in diplomatic shade.
Grateful nods went to top supporters Germany and the UK for bolstering Ukraine’s war machine. Then came the Orban zinger: ‘A nod to Viktor – he inspires us to excel, steering clear of his path, where shame is a forgotten concept.’ The remark landed with impact.
EU aid to Ukraine totals €134 billion since the invasion escalated, per bloc data. Presenter Donald Tusk amplified the praise, hinting at Nobel-level esteem for Zelenskyy’s resolve.
Building on his past advice for Orban to tend his belly rather than troops against Russian ‘threats,’ Zelenskyy’s words drew Orban’s online retort. The Hungarian PM cited them as proof of Ukraine’s EU unreadiness, enlightening his citizens.
Orban’s vetoes on weapons and military aid have stalled EU efforts, aligning with his anti-enlargement views. Recently, he sympathized with Zelenskyy’s plight while ensuring Hungary’s energy and refugee lifelines remain open.
This public sparring at Munich spotlights Europe’s fragmented front. As Ukraine battles for survival, Orban’s outlier tactics challenge the cohesion needed for sustained support, with implications for long-term security dynamics.