Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has taken a tough stance in European Union discussions regarding aid for Ukraine, while maintaining a notably more lenient attitude toward Russia. Earlier this month, he blocked an EU initiative aimed at replacing U.S. military support for Ukraine, forcing the other 26 member states to issue their conclusions without Hungary’s endorsement.
On Saturday, Orbán once again voiced his opposition to the EU’s military assistance for Ukraine and firmly rejected the possibility of Ukraine joining the bloc.
“The leaders of Europe have decided Ukraine must continue the war at any cost, offering fast-track EU membership in return, using our money. Our only response can be: a Union without Ukraine,” he stated.
His remarks aligned with a list of demands for the EU that he shared earlier that day. Among them were calls for a strong national veto, stricter migration controls, the removal of what he described as “Soros agents” from the European Commission, and a focus on peace in Europe, alongside his insistence on keeping Ukraine out of the Union.
Hungary is preparing for a general election next year, and Orbán’s provocative comments may be influenced by political pressure. The Tisza party, led by his former ally Péter Magyar, has seen a surge in polling numbers and could challenge Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.
Although Fidesz was the leading party in Hungary during last year’s European Parliament elections, it recorded its worst performance in an EU election. Tisza secured 30 percent of the vote, and recent polls indicate that both parties are now polling around 40 percent, with Tisza gaining momentum.
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