Photo from Viktor Orban’s Facebook page
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the European Union cannot afford to fund Ukraine’s military efforts, especially after US support is no longer guaranteed. His statement came a day after the leaders of 26 EU countries signed a declaration of support for Ukraine, leaving Hungary in isolation, Reuters reported.
Orban vetoed the declaration during an emergency EU summit, becoming the only leader to oppose it. Even his ally, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, eventually agreed to a compromise.
Speaking on state radio on Friday, Orban warned that the cost of supporting Kyiv and strengthening Europe’s defences could lead to economic collapse. He also announced an internal “public consultation” on Ukraine’s EU membership to be held in the coming weeks. This comes as Orban prepares for the 2026 elections, which could see him face the most serious challenge of his tenure.
“Europe can no longer rely on the US”
EU leaders agreed that defence funding and assistance to Ukraine are key issues amid geopolitical instability. European governments are concerned that Russia, inspired by its war against Ukraine, may continue its aggression against EU member states. However, Donald Trump’s departure from traditional support for Ukraine and his rapprochement with Moscow are causing concern among European allies.
Orbán, on the other hand, is in favour of “peace talks” on Trump’s terms, stressing that further funding for Ukraine only prolongs the war.
“If the US is no longer funding the war, why should the other 26 EU member states try to fight it to the end?” Orban said. He also expressed confidence that in the coming weeks the EU will face a financial crisis and will be forced to reconsider its policy towards Ukraine.
