Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sparked controversy again, claiming that Ukraine has “no chance” of defeating Russia in the ongoing conflict.
In a recent interview with Mathias Döpfner, CEO of German media group Axel Springer, Orbán criticized Europe’s financial support for Kyiv, calling it “crazy” and warning that continued escalation could bring the risk of “World War Three.”
According to Orbán, EU leaders are making a grave mistake by pouring billions into Ukraine while ignoring the long-term economic impact on their own countries.
Europe’s Billions Are Burning Fast
Orbán pointed to the staggering sums already spent, saying Hungary and the EU have “burned already €185 billion” and are set to spend even more.
He argued that these funds are financing a war that Ukraine has little hope of winning, questioning whether Europe’s approach is truly strategic.
“This is not about supporting Ukraine indefinitely,” he said.
“It’s about ensuring Europe’s stability and security.”
The Nuclear Risk and a Call for Negotiation
One of the most alarming parts of Orbán’s comments focused on the nuclear dimension of the war.
He warned that if a nuclear-armed state loses a conventional war, the risk of nuclear escalation becomes immediate.
“Don’t escalate. Don’t show your strength on the front line,” Orbán said.
“The risk of World War Three is there. True strength is shown at the negotiating table.”
Accusations of Prolonging the War
Orbán didn’t hold back in criticizing EU leaders for allegedly prolonging the war to improve their leverage in future peace talks.
“They would like to continue the war. They think we must support Ukraine more,” he said, describing the strategy as “totally wrong.”
He argued that the current timing favors Russia more than the EU-backed side and urged an immediate halt to hostilities.
Washington, Moscow, and European Channels
Orbán suggested that any meaningful peace agreement will be brokered primarily between Washington and Moscow, while Europe should maintain independent communication channels with Russia.
“Let the Americans negotiate with the Russians first, and then the Europeans should also engage to see if we can align positions,” he said.
U.S. Sanctions and Hungary’s Exemption
His remarks come in the wake of new U.S. sanctions on Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft, and the cancellation of a planned Trump–Putin summit in Budapest.
Orbán highlighted Hungary’s exemption from U.S. oil and gas sanctions, claiming it will remain as long as he is in office, with Hungary’s next election scheduled for April.
Prioritizing European Interests
Orbán emphasized that Europe should pursue a Ukraine strategy that serves European, not necessarily Ukrainian, interests. “I am not concerned whether Moscow wins or loses.
My focus is on the security and future of the European people, including Hungarians,” he said.
He also outlined a vision for postwar stability: borders should be stabilized, some areas demilitarized, and the result should be a safer Europe than before the conflict.
Predictions for Eastern Ukraine
Orbán predicted that Russia is likely to retain control over parts of eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk.
“Unless a miracle happens, this is the reality,” he stated.
However, he dismissed concerns that Russia could expand its aggression to other European or NATO countries, calling such fears “ridiculous” and asserting that Europe remains far stronger than Russia.
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