Vance has sharply criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling alleged threats against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán “unacceptable” and “a scandal,” while also accusing Kyiv of attempting to influence Hungary’s domestic politics.
US Vice-President JD Vance has condemned what he described as unacceptable threats made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky towards Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
“I could hardly believe it, but it is true. This is an absolute scandal. One should never allow a foreign head of government or state to threaten the leader of an allied country. It is absurd. It is unacceptable,” Vance said.
He also noted that he had only learned of Zelensky’s remarks the previous day, following a conversation with Orbán, and said he was shocked by their content. Vance stressed that he viewed Zelensky’s actions as both absurd and unacceptable.
“When Viktor told me about it, and when I verified the information, I could not believe it was true. But it turned out to be so. This is an absolute scandal,” Vance said while speaking in Budapest.
The US Vice-President also alleged that Ukraine is exerting pressure on Hungary in an attempt to influence the outcome of the country’s parliamentary elections. According to Vance, one such measure was the suspension of flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which he argued harms the Hungarian public.
Vance said he had personally heard about the threats from Orbán during their recent meeting. On March 5, Zelensky reportedly warned the Hungarian Prime Minister that military force could be used if he continued to block a European Union loan intended to support Ukraine’s armed forces. Days later, Orbán claimed that not only he, but also members of his family — including his children and grandchildren — had begun receiving threats. While stating that he himself was safe, Orbán added that “there are limits to everything”.
Zelensky later sought to clarify his remarks, saying his criticism of the Hungarian leader was due to Orbán “siding with the Russian leadership” and “blocking everything for Ukraine.”
Vance arrived in Budapest on April 7. During his visit, he met with the Hungarian Prime Minister and took part in intergovernmental talks covering a range of issues related to US–Hungarian relations. He also addressed a rally marking Hungarian-American Friendship Day.
The US Vice-President wished Orbán success in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, describing him as a leader who combines diplomatic skill with wisdom. He also criticised what he called attempts by Brussels and certain EU member states to influence the vote, arguing that threats “to deprive Hungary of billions of dollars simply because it defends its borders constitute external interference” and are deeply troubling.
Vance further stated that Washington is aware of alleged attempts by Ukraine to interfere in Hungary’s elections.
“There are elements within Ukrainian intelligence services that have tried to influence American elections and Hungarian elections. That is simply what they do. It is part of the cost of dealing with certain elements of their system. I try to remind myself that Ukraine, like the United States, is a very complex country. There are good people and there are bad,” he said.
