Why Orban is escalating conflict with Ukraine: Political analyst reveals Hungary’s true motives

he recent actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban directly contravene international law and are aimed at deliberately worsening bilateral relations. The Hungarian government is effectively provoking further escalation and heightened tensions in its communications with Ukraine.

This was explained by Volodymyr Fesenko, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Applied Political Studies “Penta”.

Analysing the steps taken by the Hungarian authorities, the political analyst notes that the situation has gone beyond a standard diplomatic dispute. The actions of Viktor Orban’s government appear to constitute a deliberate political war, accompanied by openly unlawful acts on the international stage.

According to Fesenko, Ukraine’s strong reaction was entirely understandable, but strategically disadvantageous.

“Open emotional exchanges and mutual accusations from the Ukrainian leadership were a mistake, as such a response effectively serves Orban’s interests. He is precisely counting on this escalation. The key now is not to fall for this provocation,” the expert emphasized.

Fesenko believes that the main goal of the Hungarian Prime Minister lies in domestic politics. Orban is personally interested in further escalation and a high-profile diplomatic scandal ahead of elections in Hungary. It suits him if Ukraine responds with strong and symmetrical measures.

“For example, by detaining Hungarian citizens or taking other demonstrative actions. He is seeking precisely this kind of political confrontation, so Ukraine should not give him that opportunity,” the analyst concluded.