Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned that admitting Ukraine’s failure in its war with Russia would have profound political repercussions for Europe. He made the remarks in a speech on Saturday, a day after his surprise visit to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine, trade and energy.
Orban said that acknowledging Ukraine’s defeat would cause a “fundamental earthquake” in European politics, forcing Western leaders to reassess their approach to the conflict. He criticized the West for fueling the war by providing financial and military aid and now considering sending troops. According to Orban, this has allowed the defence sector to wield undue influence over politics, with business circles linked to the military industry gaining significant sway.
His comments come as Hungary continues to refuse military aid or troops for Ukraine, instead urging a ceasefire. The Hungarian government has clashed with NATO and EU leaders over its stance, arguing that diplomacy has been compromised by defence‑industry interests. Orban cited France’s deal to sell combat aircraft to Ukraine and Germany’s plans to build arms factories in the country as examples.
Orban also claimed that the West blocked a potential peace deal early in the war, harming Ukraine. He referred to the preliminary agreement reached during the Istanbul talks in April 2022, which Kiev unilaterally abandoned, and argued that Ukraine would be in a better position today had that deal been implemented.
The prime minister’s Moscow visit and his statements highlight the growing divisions within Europe over how to handle the Ukraine crisis. While some countries vocally support Kyiv, others, like Hungary, adopt a more cautious approach. As the conflict persists, the debate over the optimal course of action is likely to intensify, with significant implications for European politics and the global economy.
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