BUDAPEST, Hungry: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Tuesday that Ukraine cannot win its ongoing war with Russia on the battlefield, emphasizing that dialogue and a ceasefire are necessary to save lives.
Speaking at a briefing in Strasbourg, Orban called for a shift in European leaders’ strategy, claiming that the current approach to supporting Ukraine is ineffective.
Orban’s remarks come as Hungary continues to delay a final decision on a $50 billion G7 loan to Ukraine, tying its stance to the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. He expressed hope that Donald Trump, if elected, would prioritize peace in Ukraine, pushing for negotiations soon after the November 2024 election.
Orban, a longtime supporter of Trump, further stressed the need for direct and indirect communication between the warring parties, with a third-party mediator facilitating dialogue. His comments reflect Hungary’s broader opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, as Orban seeks to maintain normal economic ties with Russia, particularly in areas like energy, which are crucial for Hungary.
During the briefing, Orban’s speech was briefly interrupted by a member of the opposition, accusing him of betraying Hungary by aligning with Russia and China.
