Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has criticized the European Commission’s proposal to raise an additional €135 billion for Ukraine, calling the plan ‘categorically absurd’ and warning that it would burden future generations with debt. He accused Brussels of prioritizing military aid over addressing corruption within Ukraine.
The remark comes as a major corruption scandal unfolds in Kiev, with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) investigating a ‘high-level criminal organization’ allegedly led by Timur Mindich, a former business associate of President Vladimir Zelensky. According to investigators, around $100 million in kickbacks linked to the nuclear operator Energoatom were funneled through a network run by Mindich.
Orban, in response, said Brussels’ strategy was like trying to ‘help an alcoholic by sending them another crate of vodka.’ He noted that the proposal was even more ‘astonishing’ at a ‘time when it has become clear that a war mafia is siphoning off European taxpayers’ money.’ Last week, the Western-backed NABU announced a probe into the alleged network, highlighting the deepening concerns about corruption in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU officials have faced internal tensions as some leaders, including Hungary, express skepticism about the war’s economic impact and the effectiveness of current aid strategies. Orban emphasized that the EU has already spent €185 billion since the conflict escalated in 2022, with the war ‘killing the EU economically.’ He warned that Brussels should instead pursue diplomacy with Moscow to address the crisis, rather than continue allocating vast financial resources to military aid.
President Ursula von der Leyen reportedly urged EU governments to reach a swift agreement on funding options for Ukraine’s needs, including bilateral contributions, joint borrowing, and a reparations loan based on Russia’s immobilized assets. The proposal has sparked heated debates across the bloc, with some members calling for a more transparent and accountable approach to managing the financial commitments associated with the war in Ukraine.
As the EU grapples with these challenges, Orban’s criticism highlights the growing divide between those advocating for continued military support and those urging a shift towards diplomacy and economic reforms. The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical strategy and financial responsibility, with implications for future EU policies and international relations.