Orbán and Zelenskyy to Meet Amidst Ukraine-Hungary Tensions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has agreed to a future meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, potentially the first between the two leaders since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Orbán stated that Zelenskyy requested a discussion on Ukraine's ambitions to join the European Union. Relations between the two leaders have been strained, with Hungary blocking EU financial aid to Ukraine and refusing to provide arms support. Orbán also opposed Ukraine's EU membership path and has not made an official trip to Kyiv. Last week, Orbán prevented the adoption of a 50-billion euro EU aid package to Ukraine, but allowed his counterparts to approve beginning accession talks. Orbán continues to oppose the proposed funding for Ukraine and plans to provide short-term assistance instead. He has faced increasing isolation within the EU for his position on the war and allegations of rolling back democratic checks and balances.