Iuliia Mendel, the former spokeswoman for the Ukrainian president, sharply criticised Volodymyr Zelensky after his controversial remarks regarding Viktor Orbán. According to Mendel, arrogance and blackmail were never characteristic of Ukrainian leadership before Zelensky came to power, and this approach only worsens the country’s problems.
In a post on social media, Mendel warned that such rhetoric could undermine Ukraine’s diplomatic position at a time when the country is heavily dependent on the support of its Western partners. She emphasised that the repeated failure to find common ground with Viktor Orbán, the constant use of pressure tactics, and public insults have become strategic mistakes for Ukraine at a particularly difficult moment.
“Specifically in relation to the comments made by President Zelenskyy, we are very clear as the European Commission that that type of language is not acceptable. There must not be threats against EU member states,” Commission deputy chief spokesperson Olof Gill told reporters… pic.twitter.com/f92K3dcy52
— Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) March 6, 2026
The controversy erupted after Zelensky made a statement that widely interpreted as a veiled threat against Viktor Orbán. The issue quickly escalated into a political dispute between Budapest and Kyiv, further straining the already tense relations between the two countries.
The European Commission also reacted to the situation. “This type of language is unacceptable. Threats cannot be made against EU member states,” said Olof Gill, deputy spokesperson for the Commission, whose words Mendel used to begin her post.
Ukrainian-Hungarian relations have deteriorated in recent months over several issues, including Russian oil shipments. Hungary has repeatedly condemned Kyiv’s policies, and after Ukraine closed the Druzhba oil pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia on January 27, Budapest said it would block a €90 billion military loan to Ukraine and the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia.
The diplomatic tension comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Ukraine may run out of financial resources by the end of March.