Speaking on Kossuth Radio, Prime Minister Orbán delivered a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the war in Ukraine, Europe’s financial responsibilities, and Hungary’s path forward in defending both its sovereignty and economic priorities.
The prime minister confirmed that he has prepared a formal response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s letter requesting continued financial support for Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the letter would only be sent after a thorough in-person review with Minister for EU Affairs János Bóka.
“It’s not just a rejection,” he said, “but a strategic alternative with clear proposals.” At the heart of his response is a rebuttal to what he called a failed strategy: “We must reverse out of the dead-end street Europe has driven onto.”
Prime Minister Orbán was unequivocal: “It’s no longer just about finding a way to end the war. It’s about preventing Europe from entering it.” Warning against what he described as growing war enthusiasm among European leaders, he pointed to a newly revealed 28-point American peace plan, already acknowledged by both the U.S. and Ukraine. This development, he said, “marks the next, extremely important step towards the Budapest Peace Summit.”
The prime minister criticized Brussels’ financial strategies on three fronts. First, he rejected the use of Hungarian funds for Ukrainian aid, especially in light of recent corruption scandals, stating, “The money of Hungarians is for Hungarians.” Second, he dismissed the idea of taking on joint EU debt to support Ukraine, which he argued would place an undue burden on future generations. Third, he condemned the proposal to use frozen Russian assets for war funding, warning that such actions would destabilize the global financial system.
Prime Minister Orbán also rejected the rationale that EU membership would curb corruption in Ukraine. “If you can’t run a clean system, how does joining ours make it better?” he asked, calling the logic “absurd.” He also expressed concern that Ukraine’s expedited EU candidacy—despite unresolved governance issues—undermines both the principles and credibility of EU enlargement.
Turning to internal affairs, he drew parallels between Hungary’s stance on war and its long-held position on migration. Just as Hungary resisted the EU’s migration quotas, it now seeks to stay out of war. “Only a united nation can resist war pressure,” he noted, adding that the ongoing national consultation and signature campaign are crucial expressions of public will.
Finally, the prime minister took aim at the domestic opposition, stating that parties like the DK and the Tisza of siding with Brussels and supporting pro-war policies. He warned that these parties do not represent Hungary’s national interest and echoed his long-standing view that Hungary’s political sphere will ultimately remain defined by two main camps: “There are the nationalists and the internationalists. The former stand with Hungary, the latter with Brussels.”