Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said that "Russia is defending Russia's  interests and Ukraine is defending Ukraine's interests" and maintained that Hungary's interests are to stay away from the war.

Speaking in front of a crowd of thousands of people gathering for Hungary's National Day, Viktor Orban's message was clear: if Hungarians want peace they must vote for him in the upcoming general elections on April 3rd. A vote for the opposition could mean "war" Orban warned.

"Weak people get no peace and a weak nation gets no freedom," Orban further said.

The Hungarian leader's words, meant to tap into his supporters' fears, reflect how the conflict in Ukraine has become a central point in the ongoing political campaign.

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However, although this message could appeal to his supporters in Hungary, it is also the kind of position that has put Orban at odds with his European counterparts.

On Tuesday, while the Prime Ministers of Slovenia, Poland and Czech Republic made their way to Kyiv in a strong message of support for Ukraine, Orbán stayed behind. His press team said the government is aware of the trip but that the Hungarian leader is not planning on joining its regional allies anytime soon.

Meanwhile on the other side of the Danube river, opposition leader Peter Marki-Zay hosted another pre-election rally. Marki-Zay, who is leading a coalition of independent parties, is seen as the only viable alternative to defeat Orbán in the upcoming elections and put an end to his 12 years in power.

The opposition rally was attended by the former President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. The polish politician has been quite vocal in criticising Orbán's ties with Putin. Tusk recently tweeted that Orbán's "loyalty" with Putin should earn him "more than medals". 

Tuesday's opposing rallies show two sides of Hungarian society with the war in Ukraine right in the middle, becoming one of the main focal points of the campaign ahead of the April 3rd general elections.

Cover picture: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a rally, as Hungary's National Day celebrations, which also commemorate the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against the Habsburg monarchy. Reuters/Marton Monus