Ukraine's MFA slams Orbán’s referendum on Kyiv’s EU accession as 'manipulation'

This was stated in an official comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

“We respect those Hungarians who participated in the consultation, including those who hold views different from ours. We are ready to hear their concerns and explain our position. The official results of the consultations have not yet been published. However, it is hard to doubt the overall manipulative purpose of this campaign by the Hungarian government, which has nothing to do with democratic principles, openness, or transparency,” the statement reads.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Hungarian government made every effort to ensure the desired outcome of the referendum.

“Such an information campaign has been underway for many months. Hungarian officials are inventing fake threats from Ukraine to unjustifiably frighten Hungarian citizens. The real purpose of this anti-Ukrainian hysteria is to distract public attention from the government's socio-economic failures by portraying an imaginary external enemy. We are convinced that the vast majority of Hungarian citizens can see through this crude manipulation,” the statement continued.

The ministry also underscored that Ukraine's EU membership is in Hungary’s interest, and that if the Hungarian government truly had concerns about Kyiv’s integration, it should support the launch of accession negotiations instead.

“Ukraine’s EU membership will strengthen the entire European community, increase stability and security, open new opportunities for European businesses, and contribute to the Union through Ukrainian technologies, digitalization, renewable energy, logistics, and other sectors. Ukraine seeks constructive partnerships with all EU member states — including Hungary — to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe,” the Foreign Ministry concluded.

• Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha believes that if Ukraine joins the EU, it will significantly strengthen the bloc in various areas, including security.