“Europe is on the brink of war,” the prime minister warned. He explained that Hungary’s historical experiences taught it how wars begin—and that the current situation resembles such precedents. When asked whether the government is monopolizing the concept of peace, he replied that such accusations are a symptom of a distorted societal development. “In America, one party is called the Democrats. The other party doesn’t believe that means they are excluded from democracy,” he said, describing the Hungarian political climate as “a bad board game.”
Speaking on EU aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Orbán was unequivocal: “The position of the Hungarian government is based on the interests of the Hungarian people. I don’t care what the position of other countries is.” He described Ukrainian corruption as a secondary issue, stating that the real concern is the war’s impact on Hungary and its voters. “Hungary can contribute to peacebuilding, but creating peace ourselves is not possible.”
A key question, he noted, is whether Hungary can stay out of the war if it cannot convince other Europeans to pursue peace. “The decisions we’ve made since 2010 also serve the purpose of keeping us out of war if necessary,” he said. Hungary’s ability to stay neutral, he added, depends on having sovereign leaders.
Addressing earlier negotiations, the prime minister shared that a Russian offer was once on the table: “They proposed taking two counties and for Ukraine to forgo NATO membership—then peace was possible.” He said this was rejected due to Anglo-Saxon pressure. As a result, Russia escalated its demands. “Now they want four counties—and they will not give them up. Time is on their side.”
On the human cost of war, Prime Minister Orbán didn’t mince words: “If we do it right, we can spare hundreds of people on the eastern front from daily suffering.” He praised the Vatican’s commitment to peace and suggested that other Western leaders could also be persuaded. “If we do it right, we can get through to others too.”
Turning to Hungary’s historical context, he said, “Hungary stepped onto the wrong track and lost the First World War. At Trianon, they created an unviable Hungary. They took our oil fields, mines, and forests. Hungary should have died.” Because of this, he explained, “Hungary has always needed, and will always need, a financial shield.”
He emphasized that the current shield, including energy agreements with the United States, does not burden Hungarian citizens. Referring to Donald Trump, he said, “I convinced him that new sanctions would hurt Hungarians.” The agreement, he added, is “valid as long as the president wants it—its duration is unlimited.”
On migration, Prime Minister Orbán made his stance clear: “War kills us. Migration changes us. We will no longer be Hungarian. Or we might be called that, but it won’t mean the same thing.”
He urged dialogue with youth: “They are our children. We have to ask ourselves if we’ve been good parents. We need to sit down and talk with them.” He ended the discussion by reiterating his personal motivation: “What drives me to stay firm on migration and war is my family—and my six grandchildren.”
Asked about politics, the prime minister was reflective: “Politics is one of the best jobs. It gives you tools to do good.” He encouraged public engagement: “Being Hungarian is the best thing in the world. Thinking is the second best. I urge everyone to take part in public life.”
Finally, referencing the opposition’s rally in the same city, he remarked, “It’s not easy to be on the left in Hungary today. Every key left-wing goal has been achieved by the right.” According to him, this leaves the left with only one motive: “Their only driving force is power.”