Defeat of Orban Removes Ukraine's Biggest Nemesis in Europe [View all]

Source: New York Times

April 13, 2026, 5:54 a.m. ET


For much of the past four years, Hungary was a persistent source of irritation for Ukraine. An outlier in Europe, Hungary maintained friendly relations with Russia while blocking critical European Union funding for Kyiv and stalling its path toward integration into the bloc.

After the election defeat on Sunday of Viktor Orban, Hungary’s longtime prime minister and the architect of its pro-Kremlin policy, many Ukrainians were hoping for a turning point.

One Ukrainian lawmaker celebrated in Budapest’s streets by chanting, “Russians, go home!” — a slogan embraced by supporters of Peter Magyar, the victorious opposition leader. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine struck a more diplomatic tone in a congratulatory message to Mr. Magyar on social media, but the Ukrainian leader’s hope for improved ties was clear.

“Ukraine has always sought good-neighbourly relations with everyone in Europe and we are ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary,” Mr. Zelensky wrote.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/world/europe/hungary-orban-ukraine-zelensky.html