Budapest, October 26, 2024 – The Europe Today: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed stark criticism of Western involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that many Western nations are on the brink of experiencing the reality of losing a war for the first time since World War II. His remarks were made during an interview with the national radio broadcaster Kossuth on Friday.
Orban, who has consistently advocated for peace and a non-involvement stance, argued that while most EU and NATO members have backed Ukraine with substantial military support—amounting to nearly $200 billion—Hungary has sought to maintain its policy independence amidst increasing pressure from Brussels.
“The Westerners do not want to end the Russia-Ukraine war; they want it to continue and have now escalated to an economic war,” Orban stated. “They are up to their necks in this pickle, they are in a losing war right now.” He noted that Hungary is not engaged in this conflict, emphasizing that it is not Hungary’s war.
Orban remarked on the unison among EU member states regarding their support for Ukraine, asserting that Hungary has managed to stay on the sidelines. He expressed hope that this position would allow Budapest to navigate around what he termed a “faulty economic policy based on the logic of war.”
The Prime Minister also criticized the West’s return to “Cold War logic” in its approach to the Ukraine situation, claiming it has led to a war mentality that extends beyond security to economic sanctions against Russia and China. He voiced optimism for a shift in the U.S. political landscape, suggesting that a change in administration could relieve Hungary’s isolation in its stance.
Historically, Budapest has been a lone dissenting voice within the EU regarding financial aid to Ukraine, a position recently echoed by Slovakia following the election of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has reversed many pro-Ukrainian policies.
Orban’s comments come as other NATO members, such as Türkiye, have opted not to participate in the sanctions against Russia and have sought to mediate the conflict. Meanwhile, Croatia remains divided on its stance, with internal political tensions reflecting varying approaches to the Ukraine crisis.
As the conflict continues, Russia has reiterated its position that Western aid to Ukraine will prolong suffering without altering the war’s outcome, warning that such actions could lead to open confrontation with Moscow.
