Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that admitting Ukraine’s failure in its conflict with Russia would have significant political implications for Europe. Orban made the comments during a speech on Saturday, a day after his surprise visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine, trade, and energy.
Orban stated that acknowledging Ukraine’s failure would cause a “fundamental earthquake” in European politics, as it would force Western leaders to re-evaluate their approach to the conflict. He criticized the West for fueling the conflict, saying that they have provided financial and military aid, and are now considering sending troops. This, he argued, has allowed the defense sector to exert undue influence on politics, with business circles connected to the military industry gaining significant sway.
Orban’s comments come as Hungary has refused to provide military aid or troops to Ukraine, instead urging for a ceasefire. His government has clashed with NATO and EU leaders over its stance on the conflict. Orban believes that diplomacy has been compromised by the interests of the defense industry, citing France’s deal to sell combat aircraft to Ukraine and Germany’s plans to build arms factories in the country.
The Hungarian Prime Minister also claimed that the West had blocked a potential peace deal early in the conflict, which ultimately harmed Ukraine. He referred to the preliminary agreement reached during the Istanbul talks in April 2022, which Kiev unilaterally walked away from. Orban argued that Ukraine would be in a better position today if they had reached an agreement at that time.
Orban’s visit to Moscow and his comments on the conflict highlight the divisions within Europe over how to approach the situation in Ukraine. While some countries have been vocal in their support for Ukraine, others, like Hungary, have taken a more cautious approach. As the conflict continues, the debate over the best course of action is likely to intensify, with significant implications for European politics and the global economy.