Hungary rejects EU’s military support for Ukraine, urges focus on European defence

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has articulated his country's decision to reject a joint EU statement on Ukraine, citing the financial imprudence of continuing military support for Ukraine amid Europe’s financial constraints.

Orban's comments, made during the EU summit in Brussels on March 6, emphasized Hungary's stance of advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, in contrast to the broader EU approach, Caliber.Az reports per Hungarian media.

Orban explained that Hungary's opposition stemmed from the belief that the EU's current policy is not only unsustainable but also misguided in its focus on military escalation. According to Orban, the conflict, now entering its third year, cannot be resolved through military means, and Ukraine is unlikely to emerge victorious. He pointed out the ongoing Russian military advances and the withdrawal of US involvement as significant factors undermining the potential for a Ukrainian victory.

“If the war has been going on for three years and Russia is winning it, with the US stepping aside, what chance do the remaining countries have?” Orban asked. He expressed concern that continued EU support for Ukraine would deplete Europe’s financial resources, with little to show for it in terms of resolving the conflict.

Orban also criticized the EU’s future plans to finance Ukraine’s military and state apparatus. He suggested that the EU's strategy to sustain both the Ukrainian army and the state itself would place an undue financial burden on European countries, who are already facing challenges in strengthening their own defence capabilities.

“The 26 countries had no reason to make this statement. If they decide to continue the war, all our last money will be spent on it,” he said, highlighting the increasing fiscal strain.

Furthermore, Orban noted that during the summit, it became apparent that EU leaders were considering substantial financial commitments not only for military assistance but also for the broader functioning of Ukraine’s government. This, he warned, could exacerbate Europe’s already strained financial resources, particularly as the EU itself faces its own defence challenges.

“Our armies are weak, our armaments are insufficient, and Europe needs to become stronger,” he concluded, underscoring Hungary’s belief that the focus should shift towards bolstering Europe’s own defence capabilities rather than continuing to support Ukraine in its prolonged conflict.

To recap, all EU leaders, except for Hungary, agreed on statements regarding strengthening the bloc's collective defence. These statements referenced a five-point initiative presented earlier this week by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aimed at securing new funding to rearm Europe.

Speaking to reporters, European Council President Antonio Costa defended the EU’s unity, emphasizing that "Hungary is isolated – 26 are more than one."

The extraordinary summit was initially called in response to US-Russia discussions about Ukraine’s future. It was framed as a joint declaration of the EU’s commitment to both intensifying its support for Ukraine in the short term and ensuring the country’s long-term strategic autonomy to defend itself.

By Vafa Guliyeva