ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Saturday that a large majority of Hungarians support Ukraine's entry into the European Union, criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's opposition through "controlled surveys."

“By the way, Orban’s opposition organized an open survey for all Hungarians. Seventy percent support Ukraine joining the EU," Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.

"So, the people of Hungary are with us. You know, he conducted his own survey, supposedly showing people were against it. He controlled that poll. But there’s another poll, and it shows 70% in favor of Ukraine,” he was quoted by Interfax-Ukraine as saying.

He attributed the Hungarian leader’s position to domestic political maneuvering, saying: “Just don’t drag us into your elections. That’s what he (Victor Orban) is doing—by blocking us in the EU. In the end, this strategy won’t be a winning one."

"Why? Because, ultimately, the people there support Ukraine. No matter how much he tries to manipulate public opinion."

Zelenskyy further criticized Orban’s actions as “very dangerous” for the EU, warning that blocking Ukraine’s membership bid undermines the principle of sovereignty.

“We’re communicating with our other partners and signaling that what he’s doing is dangerous for the European Union. He may be opposed, but taking steps to block our accession—he has no right to do that,” he said.

The Ukrainian president also confirmed that Kyiv continues to meet EU membership benchmarks. “We expect to be technically ready by July 1. We believe we’ll receive support from everyone—except one specific country,” he noted, referring to Hungary.

He added that ongoing talks between Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Hungarian officials have so far yielded “no results.”