European Union's aid to Ukraine draws Orbán's ire
The decision of the European People's Party to intensify aid to Ukraine has met with sharp criticism from the Hungarian Prime Minister. Viktor Orbán accuses the EPP of supporting the prolongation of the war at the expense of the European economy.
On April 29-30, a congress of the European People's Party (EPP) was held in Valencia.
During the event, the participants declared further and more intense military and financial support for Ukraine, justifying this as necessary to defend Europe against Russian imperialism.
Orbán: A dark day for Europe
This decision provoked a strong reaction from the Hungarian Prime Minister. Viktor Orbán wrote on platform X (formerly Twitter):
"Yesterday was a dark day for Europe. The @EPP Congress decided to support prolonging the war in Ukraine. They want to send more money to Ukraine, while the European economy suffers. What a shame!"
Orban has long presented a skeptical stance towards Western involvement in the conflict. In May 2024, he announced that Hungary would seek to redefine its NATO membership to avoid participation in operations outside the Alliance's territory.
This was a reaction to EU pressure regarding aid to Ukraine. Although Hungary initially opposed the EU's support package for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros (about 79 billion Canadian dollars), it ultimately withdrew its veto after threats of sanctions from Brussels.
In January 2025, in an interview for public radio, he stated that the European Union should rebuild relations with Russia without sanctions. Orban believed that a new U.S. president could help change relations with Moscow.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made one official visit to Moscow. He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 5, 2024. This was the first such meeting by a leader of an EU state with Putin since the beginning of the war.
This was a reaction to EU pressure regarding aid to Ukraine. Although Hungary initially opposed the EU's support package for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros, it ultimately withdrew its veto after threats of sanctions from Brussels.
