Asger Risom
Hungary clashes with European leaders over continued support for Kyiv
At a high-level meeting of European parliamentary leaders in Budapest on Monday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sharply criticized the prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union, warning that “if Ukraine is admitted, war will also be admitted.”
Speaking at the event, Orban reiterated Hungary’s divergent stance within the EU, opposing continued military and financial support for Kyiv.
“The longer the war continues, the more people will die and the worse the situation will become on the battlefield,” Orban argued, according to MTI and as reported by Digi24.
Strong Opposition to Energy and Economic Policies
The Hungarian leader also criticized a European Commission proposal to phase out Russian energy imports.
Orban claimed such a move would cripple Hungary’s economy. “Imagine energy prices doubling overnight. Hungarian families could not cope,” he warned.
He further suggested that Ukraine’s accession would lead to severe economic hardship across the bloc, citing potential agricultural disruption, unemployment, debt, and deteriorating living standards.
“Unlike past enlargements, admitting Ukraine would be a bad deal,” Orban stressed.
Orban went on to declare that Western strategies to defeat Russia have failed.
He said Russia’s economy has not collapsed, sanctions have not worked, and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations remain blocked. “The U.S. understands this and is now negotiating. Meanwhile, we Europeans are continuing a war that cannot be won,” he stated.
European Parliament Leader Pushes Back
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola responded firmly at the same conference, calling for unity and coordination within the EU. “Europe works best when it works together,” Metsola said.
She defended the EU’s enlargement plans, including candidate status for Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, and reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to support Kyiv. “We continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom,” Metsola concluded.