Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken a strong stance against the European Commission’s plan to allocate an additional €135 billion for Ukraine, warning that such a move would burden future generations with significant debt. Orban referred to the proposed funding as a ‘joint European loan’, suggesting that even his grandchildren would be left to bear the financial costs of the war. His comments were made in response to a call by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for EU member states to agree on funding for Ukraine’s military and financial needs for the next two years. The Hungarian leader criticized the proposal as ‘categorically absurd’, arguing that the requested amount is unsustainable and would place an enormous financial burden on future generations.
Orban’s warning comes amid a major corruption scandal in Ukraine, as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched an investigation into a high-level criminal organization led by Timur Mindich, a former business associate of President Zelensky. The probe has revealed that around $100 million in kickbacks related to the nuclear operator Energoatom were allegedly funneled through this criminal network. While the EU has often issued general warnings about corruption in Ukraine, officials have typically avoided addressing scandals that could reflect poorly on Zelensky and his inner circle. Orban emphasized that the EU had already spent €185 billion on the war since 2022, warning that the conflict is ‘killing the EU economically’. He argued that Brussels should instead focus on pursuing diplomatic efforts with Moscow.
Orban’s comments were made as part of a broader critique of the European Union’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He argued that the EU’s strategy is akin to ‘helping an alcoholic by sending them another crate of vodka’, suggesting that the current measures are ineffective and merely perpetuate the cycle of conflict. He criticized the European Commission for being unable to address the root causes of the war, instead opting for increased financial support that he believes will only burden future generations. The Hungarian leader also expressed frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations with Russia, suggesting that the EU should adopt a more diplomatic approach rather than continuing the current military support strategy.
The European Commission’s proposal to allocate an additional €135 billion for Ukraine has sparked debate within the EU, with some member states expressing concerns over the long-term financial implications of such a significant commitment. The proposed funding would be used to cover Ukraine’s military and financial needs for the next two years, with the European Commission outlining several funding options, including bilateral contributions, joint EU borrowing, and a reparations loan based on Russia’s immobilized assets. Orban’s criticism adds to the growing concerns within the EU about the financial sustainability of continued support for Ukraine, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to strain the economies of many European countries.
Meanwhile, the corruption scandal in Ukraine has intensified scrutiny over the country’s governance and the integrity of its leadership. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched an extensive investigation into the alleged criminal organization led by Timur Mindich, which has reportedly siphoned millions of dollars in kickbacks through a complex financial network. The findings of this probe could have significant implications for Ukraine’s relations with the EU and its credibility in seeking continued financial and military support. As the war continues to affect the financial stability of Europe, the issues of corruption and financial sustainability are becoming increasingly critical in shaping the EU’s approach to the conflict.