DAVOS, Switzerland – A sharp exchange between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán unfolded Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting deep fissures within Europe over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy publicly rebuked Orbán,accusing him of prioritizing national interests and exhibiting undue deference to Moscow,while Orbán responded with a pointed critique of Zelenskyy’s leadership and Kyiv’s reliance on foreign aid. The public clash comes as international efforts to support Ukraine continue amid growing concerns about waning Western resolve and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized European leaders on Thursday, singling out Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for prioritizing national interests over European unity. The exchange occurred during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a key gathering for global political and business leaders.
Zelenskyy accused those benefiting from European funds while undermining the continent’s interests of being deserving of “a slap in the face.” He specifically questioned Orbán’s apparent comfort with Moscow, stating, “If someone feels good in Moscow, that doesn’t mean we should allow European capitals to turn into smaller Moscows.”
Orbán responded with a similarly direct message, posting on Facebook that he and Zelenskyy simply don’t understand each other. “I am a free man who serves the Hungarians,” Orbán wrote. “You are a man in a difficult situation who has not been able or unwilling to end a war for four years, despite all the help from the United States.”
Orbán was also in Davos.
Photo:
MANDEL NGAN/AFP
Orbán further stated that Ukraine could continue to rely on Hungary for electricity and fuel supplies, as well as assistance for Ukrainian refugees. He concluded his post with a cryptic remark, stating, “The rest will be settled by life, and everyone will get what they deserve.”
Zelenskyy’s trip to Davos came at the last minute, reportedly following a request from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader used the forum to urge greater European support and collective action, criticizing a perceived lack of resolve.
Orbán also announced his participation in the inaugural meeting of a “Peace Council” initiated by Trump. He claimed that leaders from countries including Azerbaijan, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia, Kosovo, Uzbekistan, and Paraguay also attended. The development underscores the diverging diplomatic approaches to the conflict in Ukraine.
