Hungarian PM warns EU military support for Ukraine could lead to Europe’s bankruptcy

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a stark warning that the European Union’s continued military and financial support for Ukraine, alongside efforts to fast-track the country’s accession to the bloc, could push Europe into bankruptcy.

Speaking during a broadcast on Kossuth Radio, Orban criticised the EU’s Ukraine policy, arguing that both Hungary and the EU would be in a more stable financial position “if the money sent to Ukraine had been invested into the European economy.”

He noted that he doesn’t agree with the EU leaders’ commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily, even in the absence of backing from the United States. 

“Without the United States, Ukraine has no chance of even holding its remaining positions, let alone regaining anything. I thought it was becoming clear that without the United States there are no military prospects that European politicians can pursue,” he said. 

The Hungarian prime minister further criticised the EU’s ambition to accelerate Ukraine’s accession by 2030, warning that the process would require Brussels to take on a massive loan, significantly increasing the EU’s debt burden. According to Orban, much of this funding would benefit large foreign companies already operating in Ukraine rather than the country itself. He concluded that Ukraine’s integration into the EU would have disastrous consequences, stating it “will destroy the European economy.”

Hungary has repeatedly attempted to block EU sanctions against Russia, though it has ultimately backed down on several occasions. It has vetoed the release of €6 billion intended to reimburse EU member states for military aid supplied to Ukraine and has outright refused to sign two EU declarations expressing support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli