Ukraine’s wartime leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned the Munich Security Conference into a battleground of words, accepting a peace award while unleashing fresh criticism against Hungary’s Viktor Orban. The Ewald von Kleist honor, given for exceptional peace efforts, provided Zelenskyy the stage to laud Europe’s generosity – and subtly roast a dissenting neighbor.
Standing before global leaders, Zelenskyy hailed Germany and the UK as pillars of support in Ukraine’s fight for survival. He then addressed Orban directly in a veiled yet unmistakable manner: ‘I want to thank Viktor as well. He motivates us to improve ourselves, to ensure we never turn into someone who has lost touch with shame.’ The audience grasped the sarcasm immediately.
EU nations have collectively funneled €134 billion in assistance to Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Award presenter Donald Tusk of Poland went further, insisting Ukraine merits accolades like the Nobel Peace Prize and beyond.
The feud traces back to Zelenskyy’s earlier remark advising Orban to prioritize personal girth over military buildup against phantom Russian dangers. Orban retaliated on X, using the insult to underscore Ukraine’s unfitness for EU membership and predicting it would clarify matters for Hungarians.
Hungary’s resistance to Ukraine’s Western integration is no secret. Orban has vetoed multiple aid packages and weapon deliveries, framing his position as pragmatic amid the conflict. Just last month, he portrayed Zelenskyy as trapped in dire straits, yet pledged ongoing humanitarian supplies like power and fuel, plus refugee support.
Zelenskyy’s Munich salvo underscores a widening rift in Europe’s response to the Ukraine crisis. With billions in aid flowing from most quarters, Orban’s outlier position tests the limits of bloc unity, potentially reshaping alliances as peace talks loom.