Ukrainian ambassador: 97% of Hungarians are rooting for Kyiv to win war despite Orbán's propaganda

Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary, Fedir Shandor, says Hungarians continue to support Kyiv despite the propaganda being spread by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. He believes that 97% of Hungarians are rooting for Ukraine to win the war.

Shandor was reminded in an interview with Hungarian online newspaper 24.hu that in 2023, he said he estimated that 73% of Hungarians were "rooting for Ukraine" to win the war against Russia.

Asked how many Hungarians support Ukraine's victory now, despite the Orbán government's anti-Ukrainian campaign, the ambassador said 97%.

"Yes, right now I'd say 97%. And not only because people love Ukraine – I'd say they understand better that their comfort and safety depend on us," Shandor said.

Shandor added that Ukraine is currently "granting Hungary's wish" not to have a neighbour like Russia.

Parliamentary elections are due to take place in Hungary in April 2026, which could result in Orbán's Fidesz party losing power for the first time in over 15 years.