Yushchenko Urges Orbán to Reconsider Support for Ukraine

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has publicly appealed to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, questioning his current stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Yushchenko posted an open letter on his Facebook page, accompanied by a photograph from 1999 showing both leaders together, expressing his disappointment with Orbán’s recent actions.

“Victor, look at this photo. We are standing side by side at a time when the future of our region seemed common, clear and bright to us. Then we believed together that freedom is not just a word, but a supreme gift worth fighting for,” Yushchenko wrote. He recalled remembering Orbán as a leader who “understood the value of dignity and knew what liberation from imperial oppression meant.”

Yushchenko continued, “Today I look at your actions and ask myself: where did that Victor go? How did it happen that a man who saw the formation of a free Hungary today plays along with the forces that want to destroy the freedom of a neighbor?” He emphasized that Ukraine is “bleeding for the same values” they once discussed, defending not only its own land but also the peace of Hungary and Europe.

The former Ukrainian president accused Orbán of betraying not only Ukraine but also the memory of the Hungarian people, who experienced Soviet occupation. “When you choose the side of the aggressor, you betray not only Ukraine, you betray the memory of your own people, who know what Soviet tanks are like on the streets of Budapest,” Yushchenko stated.

Yushchenko concluded his letter with a plea for Orbán to reconsider his position. “Victor, stop and remember who you were. History is a harsh judge. It does not forgive those who remained silent or helped evil during times of great trials. It is not too late to return to the light, to real European brotherhood, where honor is valued, not dubious political deals. I urge you to face the truth. Be the leader the world once respected and knew that freedom was the only way.”

This appeal follows reports that Russia has been conducting a disinformation campaign in Hungary, attempting to influence the country’s political landscape. Investigative journalists recently found that a group of Russian political strategists operating from the Russian embassy in Budapest were involved in this effort.