By Our Correspondent

National News – The ongoing war involving Volodymyr Zelensky and Viktor Orbán has become a central issue in Hungary’s heated election campaign, intensifying political tensions weeks before voters head to the polls.

Hungarian officials claim Ukraine is attempting to influence the election outcome by undermining Orbán’s government, while Kyiv has accused Budapest of spreading anti-Ukraine rhetoric to secure electoral advantage.

Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, led by Orbán, alleges that Ukraine could resort to extreme actions, including sabotage of key energy infrastructure and threats against political leaders, to prevent the party from winning another term.

Ukrainian officials strongly reject these accusations, arguing that Hungary’s government is using fear and misinformation to rally voters.

The political clash comes amid a major energy dispute surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Central Europe.

Oil deliveries to Hungary were disrupted in late January after a Russian drone strike triggered a fire at an oil facility in western Ukraine.

Since then, Hungarian refineries have faced supply concerns, placing pressure on the government ahead of the election.

Orbán has claimed satellite images show the pipeline remains largely intact, accusing Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs.

However, security analysts say the damage is more complex, with millions of litres of crude oil stored in the pipeline during emergency measures following the attack.

Ukrainian authorities say repairs could take several weeks before supplies resume.

The issue has become a powerful campaign tool. Billboards across Hungary portray Zelensky alongside opposition leader Péter Magyar, accusing the opposition Tisza Party of aligning with pro-war European leaders.

Magyar denies the claims and insists his party supports peace while maintaining strong ties with European partners.

Meanwhile, Hungarian authorities have increased security around major energy facilities, with military patrols deployed to reassure the public.

Critics argue the move is intended to heighten fears of potential sabotage or foreign interference.

As election day approaches, analysts say the conflict between Hungary and Ukraine could shape voter sentiment.

With polls suggesting Orbán’s party trails the opposition, the escalating rhetoric may prove decisive in determining whether Hungary’s long-serving leader secures another term in power.