Hungary’s Orban performatively ‘votes’ against Ukraine’s EU membership / The New Voice of Ukraine

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban voted in the “national consultation” (advisory referendum) his government called on the question of Ukraine’s application to join the European Union.

Clearly seen in a photo he posted on Facebook on April 22, Orban marked “against” on his ballot.

“Brussels and the Tisza Party [Hungarian opposition political party] support Ukraine joining the EU,” the PM wrote.

“It will destroy the Hungarian economy. We won’t let them decide our future over our heads. I have already voted.”

Photo: Viktor Orban / Facebook

The referendum, initiated by Orban’s government, is not legally binding, but will serve as a basis for political debate in the country.

Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda reported that the Hungarian government sent citizens a letter urging them to oppose Ukraine’s EU membership during the advisory referendum. The letter warned that supporting Ukraine’s accession “will inflict huge losses on Hungary.”

Hungary has been blocking the start of detailed negotiations on Ukrainian membership since early 2025.