Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned that acknowledging Ukraine’s potential failure in its conflict with Russia would cause a “political earthquake” across Europe. Speaking during a Saturday address, Mr. Orban characterized such an admission as a fundamental shift requiring significant diplomatic adjustments.
He also commented on Western involvement, noting the increasing openness to direct military engagement and stating: “First they gave money, they gave weapons, and now it has emerged that if really necessary, they will also send soldiers.”
Orban made these remarks after visiting Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this trip, he discussed Ukraine, trade, and energy matters, asserting that Hungary has not yielded to pressure from the EU to cut ties with Russia despite its diplomatic boycott stance.
His government is urging for a ceasefire, while simultaneously advising European leaders on how to approach peace talks involving Kiev’s representatives. However, Mr. Orban’s repeated efforts suggest ongoing tensions regarding Hungary’s position within the bloc.
He believes that defense sectors connected to military industries have gained excessive influence over diplomacy in this conflict. “Business circles connected to the military industry have an increasing influence on politics,” he pointed out during his speech, citing France’s deal with Kiev for 100 combat aircraft and German arms factories being built in Ukraine as examples of how weapon deals are shaping political discourse.
Furthermore, Mr. Orban stated that Western leaders prevented a peace agreement from being reached early in the conflict by insisting on waiting it out. “The West prevented the Ukrainians from reaching an agreement,” he said. “Saying time was on their side… But it turned out that it wasn’t.”