LONDON

Hungary’s prime minister on Wednesday sharply criticized Ukraine’s leadership, accusing Kyiv of threatening Budapest, while saying he would continue to defend Hungarian interests.

"The Ukrainian leadership crossed a line. We did not seek conflict, yet for days now Hungary has been in the crosshairs," Viktor Orban said through US social media company X.

Accusing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha of "threatening" Hungary, the prime minister said this will not deter them "from standing up for the interests of Hungarians."

He went on to say that Hungary will not send financial support to Ukraine and will not allow a ban on Russian oil and gas imports.

Orban also reiterated that Budapest will not allow Ukraine "to be pushed into the European Union within 2 years by trampling on EU law."

That would mean "importing the war," he noted, adding that decisions on these matters "will not be made in Kyiv and not in Brussels either," during his government, saying this is "well understood" in Ukraine.

"That is why they want a new, pro-Ukraine government in Budapest, and why the threats never stop," he added.

Orban's remarks came after the Hungarian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Budapest, accusing Kyiv of attempting to interfere in Hungary’s elections.

"We will not tolerate any interference in Hungary’s elections, including Ukraine’s attempts to influence the outcome and to intervene in the electoral process in favour of the (main opposition) Tisza Party," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on X.

Hungarians will head to the polls on April 12 in parliamentary elections.

Diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated again after Zelenskyy made remarks during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week that were seen as referring to the Hungarian premier.

"Every victor who lives off European money while trying to sell out European interests deserves a smack upside the head," said the Ukrainian president.

He added: "And if he feels comfortable in Moscow, it doesn't mean we should let European capitals become little Moscow's."