Zelenskyy Criticizes European Leaders Over Alleged Betrayal of Ukraine

In a pointed address at the European Political Community summit in Oxford, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned European leaders who he believes are undermining Ukraine's interests, specifically targeting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Zelenskyy warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet succeeded in creating disunity among European nations, but he cautioned that some EU member states could still be susceptible to temptation or blackmail. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity among European nations in the face of Russian aggression, stating that any leader who engages in backdoor negotiations that compromise collective interests should not be considered a legitimate participant in European matters. His remarks come in light of Orban's recent meeting with Putin, which raised concerns about Hungary's commitment to the EU's collective stance against Russia. The summit, which includes leaders from the EU's 27 member states and 20 other nations, was convened to address ongoing geopolitical challenges following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, currently holding the rotating EU presidency, has been under scrutiny for its perceived leniency towards Russia. In a related note, Orban referenced a recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that he would prioritize peace efforts if re-elected. Orban indicated that Trump’s potential return to power could alter the financial dynamics between the U.S. and Europe, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.