Hungarian PM expresses frustration with Ukrainian refugees receiving more funds than locals

Hungary's Prime Minister publicly complained that Ukrainian refugees in his country were reportedly receiving too much assistance and hinted at a possible reduction in support.

In a video posted on his official X account, PM Viktor Orbán claimed that Ukrainian refugees residing in the country were receiving more aid than unemployed Hungarian citizens.

He urged that "there is no such thing as free money" and that Ukrainians should not be receiving more help than Hungarian nationals.

According to him, Hungary accepted "thousands" of refugees from Ukraine following the launch of Russia's full-scale war.

When Ukraine was attacked, Hungary did what it should for its neighbour. We provided help to thousands in need and continue to do so today. Our responsibility is clear: extend aid, yet never compromise the interests of Hungarians. That is the balance we must uphold. pic.twitter.com/kAxatBLyY6

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) August 6, 2025

"We provided for all of them, helped everyone. Even today, there are tens of thousands of Ukrainians in Hungary," he said.

Orbán emphasised that Hungary is the "only country" that has given Ukrainians the same assistance as is provided to Hungarians. Providing an example of this approach, he describes in the video that "if a Hungarian citizen receives unemployment benefits for three months and then has to take part in public works, then, my dear Ukrainian friend, you can also get as much as we do. We’ll give you half of our shirt, but maybe not the whole thing."

By Nazrin Sadigova