Zelensky believes Hungary’s behavior contradicts NATO ally status

President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the behavior of Hungary and its relations with Russia do not correspond to the status of a NATO ally.

He said this in an interview with Finnish, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian journalists.

"How to resolve the dispute with Budapest? The question is only Budapest's desire. It seems to me that there is a political entanglement of the political elites in Hungary. It is a very strange situation, can a NATO country be for Russia and against NATO?" Zelenskyy said.

President Zelensky has asserted that it is impossible for a nation to be an ally of NATO  while simultaneously developing a partnership with a country that calls the organization an adversary.

"I believe that this is inappropriate behavior. I am speaking my subjective opinion. An ally is not just a word; it is a meaning. It is a union of states with the same view on security, on values. They can treat certain moments differently, but there is an alliance agreement, which protects each other and the respective values.And if all the allies say that Russia calls us an enemy, we must put Russia in its place; then one country cannot say – no, Russia is our ally. This cannot be like that. So you are no longer an ally of the Alliance. And therefore, if you de jure ally but de facto working against it, you should not advise Ukraine to join NATO or not. And you should not create obstacles," Zelensky said.

For reference:

On April 29, President of Ukraine  Volodymyr Zelensky gave an extensive interview to journalists from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Subsequently, Rubryka provided a brief summary of the President's most notable statements.

The Head of State declared that a counteroffensive was being prepared and expressed his conviction that it would be successful, leading to the de–occupation of Ukrainian territories. He further emphasized that the outcome would be contingent on Ukraine itself, as well as assistance from its Western allies.

He stated that Kyiv had acquired almost all the necessary equipment to launch a counteroffensive, however, some armaments must be withheld to avoid undue risk, and the success of the effort is contingent upon favorable weather conditions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi indicated that the conflict in Ukraine may endure for decades, yet emphasized the importance of no Ukrainian region, including Crimea, remaining under Russian occupation. He further asserted that other nations would be wise to provide assistance to Ukraine now, as it is more cost–effective than escalating the risks of a Third World War.

Kyiv is specifically requesting that the Scandinavian countries furnish combat aircraft, while also emphasizing that there can be no negotiations with the current Russian President, Vladimir Putin, as he is considered to be a terrorist by the Ukrainian government.

He expressed his gratitude to journalists for reporting truthfully on Russia's offences, as well as expressing appreciation for the assistance and encouragement provided by the leaders of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.