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“I Did Not Give Consent to Use My Face”: Zelenskyy Slams Orbán for Exploiting Ukraine in Election Bid

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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“I Did Not Give Consent to Use My Face”: Zelenskyy Slams Orbán for Exploiting Ukraine in Election Bid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responds to media questions during a press conference in Kyiv on February 23, 2025, amid the third year of Russia’s large-scale war. (Source: Getty Images)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly disclosed details of a Hungarian military intelligence operation in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, accusing Budapest of repeatedly interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs and of exploiting the ongoing war for domestic political gain.

In an interview with Válasz Online, Zelenskyy said that Hungary’s Military National Security Service (KNBSZ) has been active in the border region since 2021 and escalated its efforts in 2024–2025.

According to the Ukrainian president, Hungarian agents collected intelligence on Ukraine’s military infrastructure, including the location of S-300 air defense systems and troop deployments.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian authorities have obtained evidence, including photos and videos, of KNBSZ-organized meetings and financial transactions.

“We have everything documented. The last recorded intelligence handover occurred on March 25 this year,” he said, adding that the surveillance included questions about how Zakarpattia residents would respond to a potential Hungarian peacekeeping presence.

According to Zelenskyy, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) made the operation public in May after arresting several individuals involved. He emphasized that the intelligence gathering targeted Ukraine’s vulnerabilities during wartime and questioned whether NATO had authorized Hungary to collect such information.

“They said no. I am the president of a country at war—how would you react in my position?” Zelenskyy stated.

While Zelenskyy said he does not hold Prime Minister Viktor Orbán personally responsible, he criticized Hungary’s leadership for what he described as repeated attempts to interfere in Ukraine’s domestic affairs, including the distribution of Hungarian passports in Zakarpattia before the war.

The president also addressed Hungary’s domestic political use of Ukraine. Referring to recent campaign billboards in Budapest featuring his image, Zelenskyy accused Orbán of using Ukraine to boost his election prospects.

A political campaign poster in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, captured on April 7, 2025, features (back to front) EPP President and European Parliament EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The poster reads, “Voting 2025: about Vote for Ukraine in the EU membership, Don’t let them decide for us!” (Source: Getty Images)
A political campaign poster in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, captured on April 7, 2025, features (back to front) EPP President and European Parliament EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The poster reads, “Voting 2025: about Vote for Ukraine in the EU membership, Don’t let them decide for us!” (Source: Getty Images)

“He uses Ukraine for his own elections. I did not give consent to use my face. I am the president of another country,” Zelenskyy said. “This is not ethical.” Zelenskyy argued that such actions contribute to anti-Ukrainian sentiment and benefit the Kremlin. “By not helping us, he does a favor to Putin,” he noted.

Despite ongoing tensions, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine remains open to constructive relations if Hungary respects its sovereignty. He underscored that decisions about Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are not negotiable, even during ceasefire talks.

“Ukraine will not recognize the currently occupied territories as Russian. Our mandate covers humanitarian issues and ceasefire discussions—not territorial concessions,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly voted against Ukraine’s EU membership in a national consultation, calling the country’s accession a threat to Hungary’s economy. The non-binding survey, promoted by the Hungarian government, is expected to influence Budapest’s stance in future EU negotiations.

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