With the continent edging ever closer to direct involvement in the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Orbán warned that while some political actors claim they don’t want war, their decisions suggest otherwise. “We won’t let them push us into the war,” he stated firmly.
According to Prime Minister Orbán, the strategic balance that once restrained escalation has shifted: while U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting peace, the current European leadership is leaning toward conflict. This divergence, the prime minister said, has brought Europe dangerously close to becoming a battlefield. He emphasized that Hungary must stand firmly in favor of peace, drawing a clear line between the so-called "war party"—led by figures like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, and Manfred Weber—and the "peace party," which he described as represented by Fidesz at home and supported internationally, including by the United States.
“Right now, those who gain time, gain life” – this is how Prime Minister Orbán described the current moment, emphasizing that we are standing on the narrow path between war and peace, where every passing minute carries weight. Time, in this context, has two crucial meanings. First, American–Russian negotiations are currently underway, and despite strong opposition from European political elites, there is a real chance these talks may succeed. If they do, and Ukraine is also brought into the process, it could lead to a ceasefire—or possibly even a more lasting peace agreement. This is one of the hopes Hungary is holding onto.
The second meaning, as the prime minister outlined, is the collapse of what he called the “big trick” in Western Europe. That trick was the promise repeated by many Western leaders: that this war would not cost their citizens anything because it would be paid for using confiscated Russian assets. This narrative wasn’t limited to Germany—it was sold across almost every Western European country. But that illusion has now fallen apart. It has become increasingly clear that the costs of war cannot be covered by seized foreign assets, and populations across Europe are beginning to feel the financial burden themselves. Between this unfolding diplomatic opportunity and the discrediting of the West’s war narrative, Hungary remains committed to its peace-oriented stance, determined to avoid being drawn into the conflict and to seize every chance to stay out of war.
He pointed out that despite pressure from Brussels, Hungary refused to join a risky financial maneuver to fund Ukraine with €90 billion borrowed from banks—a move that would have cost Hungarian families HUF 400 billion. “We will not pay that,” he insisted, highlighting that EU member states maintain more assets in Russia through major companies than they could ever gain through confiscated Russian funds in Europe.
Reaffirming Hungary’s historical memory, the prime minister stressed that the nation has suffered heavily in both world wars. He said that Hungarians understand the cost of conflict in a way that many in the West do not. "We know how a war devours a nation’s future and the work of decades," he added. According to him, despite no one openly advocating for war, hidden forces and lobbying groups are actively pushing politicians toward confrontation.
Domestically, Prime Minister Orbán drew a line between two opposing visions for Hungary’s future. “The Tisza Party's program is Brussels’ program,” he said, arguing that Hungary must not follow that path. Instead, he committed to continuing policies like utility cost reduction, noting this required securing agreements with Russian, American, and Turkish partners. "We can only guarantee Europe’s cheapest energy prices if this government stays in power,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the prime minister expressed confidence in Hungary’s development goals. From tax reform to infrastructure investments, he spoke of ongoing plans to boost growth and prosperity. “We want Hungary to be big, respected, and successful. We want to win the 21st century,” he declared. He closed with a message to Hungarian families: appreciate the nation’s collective achievements and continue building unity. “If we manage this, there will be peace and a successful new year,” Prime Minister Orbán concluded.