Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the European Union’s ability to realistically support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking on Thursday after a tense EU summit in Brussels, Orban asserted that the EU lacks the financial means to continue its support, reports RT.
“The EU doesn’t have a single penny left. It has spent all of its money,” Orban told the YouTube channel Patriota. “[The EU] talks about wanting to continue arming Ukraine, maintaining the Ukrainian army, and funding the Ukrainian state... but can’t find any money in its pockets. I think it’s empty promises,” he added.
Orban emphasized the strain the conflict has placed on the economies of EU member states. He urged Brussels to back U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine. “We must not allow Hungarian families to continue paying for the economic consequences of the war,” he said.
In a show of defiance, Hungary refused to sign a joint EU statement calling for an increase in military aid to Kyiv. “We will not allow a common European position to be formed that includes Hungary and is pro-war,” Orban told reporters after the summit. Budapest has repeatedly used its veto power to block or delay aid packages, arguing that the bloc should prioritize diplomacy over further escalation with Russia.
The EU has been unable to reach a consensus on a €40 billion ($43 billion) military aid package for Ukraine. Italy and Spain are reportedly opposed to the plan, led by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, citing concerns over the high cost.
Diplomats from several EU countries privately criticized Borrell’s proposal, with one calling it “botched.” Euronews reported that some officials deemed the plan “dead” after it failed to gain traction during discussions in Brussels.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
