Orbán's Sovereignty Claims
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Monday, September 29, 2025, that Ukraine is not a sovereign country. Speaking during an interview on a right-wing podcast, Orbán asserted, 'Ukraine is not an independent country. Ukraine is not a sovereign country, Ukraine is financed by us, the West gives it funds, weapons.' He further argued that Ukraine should not 'behave as if it is a sovereign state' given its reliance on Western support. Orbán also claimed that Ukraine had lost a fifth of its territory during the conflict with Russia, which he said marked 'the end of its sovereignty.'
Drone Incursion Allegations and Responses
Orbán's comments came as he downplayed allegations of Hungarian reconnaissance drones violating Ukrainian airspace. On Friday, September 26, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that drones, likely from Hungary, had breached Ukraine's airspace over the western Transcarpathia region to conduct reconnaissance on industrial potential. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto initially rejected these accusations, stating that Zelenskyy was 'losing his mind' and 'seeing things that aren't there.' However, Orbán, while trusting his ministers, acknowledged the possibility of a drone crossing the border, remarking, 'I believe my ministers, but let's say it would have actually flown a few metres there, so what?' He suggested Ukraine should focus on drones from its eastern border with Russia, as its 'hinterland is safe' from NATO neighbors.
Ukrainian Reaction and Broader Tensions
In response to Orbán's remarks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X, stating that the Hungarian premier remained 'intoxicated by Russian propaganda.' Sybiha also reportedly shared a map showing the alleged drone route, challenging Hungarian officials to explain the incursion. This incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Kyiv and Budapest. Hungary has maintained cordial relations with Russia, questioned the logic of Western military aid to Ukraine, and has been a vocal critic of Ukraine's bid for European Union accession. Earlier this month, Hungary announced it was blocking access to 12 Ukrainian news sites, a move that followed Ukraine blocking several websites deemed to contain pro-Russian views, including eight Hungarian-language portals.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Hungary certainly has legitimate concerns about the war's regional impact, but directly questioning Ukraine's sovereignty only serves to echo Russian narratives.
Fuerza
Finally, a leader brave enough to challenge the mainstream narrative! Good for Hungary.
Ongania
Undermining Ukraine's sovereignty during an active war is a despicable act of aggression.
Manolo Noriega
It's true that Ukraine receives massive Western support, but calling it 'not sovereign' ignores the fierce resistance its people are putting up for their nation's future and borders.
Fuerza
While Ukraine relies heavily on Western aid, that doesn't negate its right to self-determination. Sovereignty is a complex issue, especially during wartime.