Hungary's Orbán makes anti-Ukraine message central to his reelection campaign

Viktor Orbán is centering his reelection bid on opposing EU support for Ukraine, and Hungary recently blocked a new EU sanctions package on Russia; the parliamentary vote is set for April 12.

Viktor Orbán has placed opposition to deeper support for Ukraine at the centre of his campaign as he seeks another term. His government and allied groups have rolled out nationwide advertisements and billboards, some paid with public funds, that question EU aid to Kyiv. Hungarian officials have also taken recent steps in EU forums, including blocking a sanctions package on Russia and pausing some fuel shipments to Ukraine. The parliamentary election is scheduled for April 12, and observers say the result will have implications for Hungary's role in European policy. Key facts: - Orbán's campaign emphasises that supporting Ukraine poses risks to Hungary and has used broad advertising, including AI-generated imagery, to make that point. - Hungary recently blocked a new EU sanctions package on Russia and has halted certain fuel shipments to Ukraine; officials linked these actions to interruptions in oil supplies. - The election on April 12 pits Orbán's Fidesz against challenger Péter Magyar, and most independent polls show a competitive race though the outcome remains uncertain. Summary: The campaign's focus on Ukraine and related government actions have brought Hungary's stance within the EU into sharper relief, with potential effects on bloc-wide responses to the war. The next decisive moment is the April 12 parliamentary election, after which Hungary's policy direction toward EU measures on Russia and Ukraine will become clearer.