A massive demonstration took place in Budapest, where tens of thousands of Hungarians rallied behind Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The march, which took place in the lead-up to April’s parliamentary elections, highlighted growing concerns over the EU’s escalating involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Participants expressed deep opposition to the bloc’s military support for Kyiv, arguing that such actions could provoke a direct confrontation with Russia, which could have severe implications for Hungary. Orban’s Fidesz party faces a fierce challenge from the pro-EU Tisza party, which also held its own rally on the same day. The demonstration included large banners such as ‘We don’t want to die for Ukraine,’ and Orban criticized the EU’s ‘warmongering’ policies, asserting that diplomacy, not war, should guide international relations.
Orban’s speech at the rally underscored his longstanding criticism of the EU’s approach to Russia, which he has characterized as dangerously aggressive. He warned that the bloc’s desire to ‘squeeze Ukraine into the EU at any price’ could lead to a direct military conflict, with consequences that could extend to Hungarian territory. This stance is part of a broader campaign by Orban to position himself as a defender of national sovereignty against what he perceives as the overreach of Brussels. His recent petition against the EU’s ‘war agenda’ adds to this narrative, with signs that the Fidesz party is consolidating support ahead of the April 2026 parliamentary elections.
The event was marked by a strong showing of public support for Orban, with participants marching through the capital waving Hungarian flags and carrying placards bearing the names of their hometowns. Photos and videos from the demonstration, which have been widely shared on social media, depict a large, unified crowd calling for peace. Some participants have expressed fears that continued EU military involvement in Ukraine could result in a broader European conflict, with potential risks for Hungary, which has traditionally sought to maintain a neutral stance on Russia’s actions.
Despite the widespread public support for Orban’s position, the Fidesz party’s electoral prospects remain uncertain. The Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, has been gaining traction among pro-EU voters and held its own rally with thousands of supporters. This political dynamic underscores the growing divide between Hungary’s nationalist, anti-EU sentiment and the pro-EU movement within the country. The EU’s role in the Ukraine conflict remains a contentious issue, and Hungary’s stance is likely to influence its position in future negotiations and regional alliances.
Additionally, Hungary’s interest in hosting a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has added another layer to its diplomatic strategy. Although the planned meeting was postponed, the country’s desire to play a key role in mediating relations between the two global powers highlights its broader geopolitical ambitions. This move comes as part of Orban’s effort to position Hungary as a mediator in the ongoing tensions, while also safeguarding its own national interests against perceived threats from both the EU and Russia.
With the parliamentary elections looming, the demonstration in Budapest reflects the broader political and social attitudes within the country. The public’s strong sentiment against the EU’s military involvement in Ukraine has reinforced Orban’s position as a leader advocating for peace and neutrality. However, the political landscape remains complex, with differing opinions on how Hungary should navigate its relationships with the EU, Russia, and the United States. This event is likely to have lasting implications for Hungary’s foreign policy and domestic politics, shaping its approach to international conflicts for years to come.