Hungarian Prime Minister Reiterates Opposition to Ukraine's EU Accession

At a rally held in Budapest on the 23rd, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reiterated his government's rejection of Ukraine's accession to the European Union, while criticizing the EU for allocating substantial funds to Ukraine.

Speaking at the rally in Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament Building that day, Orbán stated that Ukraine could become a strategic partner of the EU, but the Hungarian government does not support Ukraine's membership in the bloc. "They cannot be members of our military alliance, nor can they be members of our economic alliance," he said.

Orbán emphasized that Hungary stands on the side of peace. He criticized the EU for investing huge sums in Ukraine and stated that Hungary is a strong, dignified, sovereign nation. "We will not fight for Ukraine, we will not die for Ukraine—we will only live for Hungary."

Orbán also urged his supporters to remain united ahead of next year's general election. Poll results indicate that the emergence of the Respect and Freedom Party led by Péter Márki-Zay will make next year's Hungarian election highly competitive.

Hungary is a member of both the EU and NATO. Orbán has consistently expressed skepticism toward Western military aid to Ukraine and does not support Ukraine's bid to join the EU.