HUNGARY’S ORBAN URGES EU TO HALT FINANCIAL AID TO UKRAINE TO BOOST EUROPEAN ECONOMY
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday called on European Union members to stop sending financial aid to Ukraine, arguing that funds should instead be used to strengthen Europe’s own economy.
“Don’t send your money to somebody else if you need it for your competitiveness, so don’t send the money to Ukraine,” Orban told reporters ahead of talks with EU leaders.
A close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU, Orban has long expressed scepticism over European support for Ukraine. According to official figures, the EU and its member states have provided around €177 billion ($210 billion) in military, economic, and political assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The bloc has also approved a €90 billion loan to sustain Kyiv over the next two years.
The 27-nation EU has a combined GDP of nearly €18 trillion, but Hungary has frequently challenged EU decisions on Ukraine. Despite Ukraine applying to join the bloc shortly after the invasion, Orban’s vetoes have blocked progress in accession talks.
Unlike most EU nations, Hungary has not diversified its imports since Russia’s assault on Ukraine, further highlighting its unique stance within the union. Orban’s latest remarks underscore ongoing tensions in Europe over the balance between supporting Ukraine and prioritizing domestic economic recovery.
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