Viktor Orban Does Not Want War. He Believes the EU Is Exactly Provoking It 0 19

At an informal summit in Denmark, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused his European Union neighbors of choosing a "strategy of exhausting Russia with an endless war," clarifying that he rejects such an approach.

Orban promised to initiate a petition in Hungary against Brussels' military plans. The topics of enhancing the bloc's defense capabilities, rearming European armies, and building a "wall against drones" dominated the summit in Copenhagen. According to Orban, the European Union has thus indicated that "it is going to war." The Hungarian leader pointed out that he considers this position erroneous and dangerous, emphasizing the importance of peace negotiations rather than prolonging hostilities.

Orban's statement confirms Budapest's long-standing position, which contrasts with the stance of the majority of the EU - opposing military support for Ukraine, maintaining dialogue with Moscow, while continuing to purchase Russian energy resources. Hungary also frequently temporarily blocks the introduction of new sanctions against the Kremlin and does not support Ukraine's accession to the EU, considering the strategic partnership agreement "sufficient."

In Copenhagen, he called the attempts of European Council President Antonio Costa to allow negotiation clusters with Kyiv to be opened with the consent of a qualified majority in the EU, rather than unanimously - thus potentially overcoming the Hungarian veto - "dead."

Orban's position on EU defense capabilities and support for Ukraine has drawn sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Hungarian leader was also criticized at home: the mayor of Budapest from the Green Party and Orban's main opponent, Gergely Karacsony, stated in an interview with Euronews that Ukraine's accession to the EU serves the national interests of both his homeland and Europe as a whole. "This is a huge opportunity for the European economy, as the EU could expand with a country that represents a large market and vast resources," he noted. "But, unfortunately, we have not yet reached this goal. It is clear that we must first reach the end of the war, to a ceasefire.

It is reported that Orban himself stated before flying to the summit in Denmark that he was expecting a "cage fight" there, as other countries constantly pressure Budapest on the issue of Ukraine.