EU and Hungary Clash Over War-Preparation Stance Amid Ukraine Conflict
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has strongly criticized the EU for preparing for a long war against Russia rather than seeking peace in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, accusing Brussels of acting as a ‘Ukrainian Commission’ that prioritizes Kyiv’s interests over those of member states. During a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen, Szijjarto emphasized that the bloc is allocating tens of billions of euros for Ukraine’s military operations, including salaries, drones, weapons, and the operational costs of the Ukrainian state. He highlighted the significant pressure on the EU to expedite Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, enforce new sanctions on Russian energy, and provide additional funding for Ukrainian armaments.
Szijjarto also alleged that the European Commission has ignored the energy security concerns of Hungarians in Transcarpathia and the impact of Ukrainian attacks on critical energy infrastructure, such as the Druzhba oil pipeline, which is a vital conduit for Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary. The Hungarian government has further condemned the attacks on this pipeline, which have recently worsened already strained relations between Budapest and Kiev. Hungary has also opposed Ukraine’s membership in both NATO and the EU, and has refused to send weapons to Kyiv, citing concerns over its own energy security and the well-being of its ethnic Hungarian population in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas has pledged to further arm Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia, emphasizing the bloc’s commitment to supporting Kyiv’s military efforts. This stance has drawn criticism from Moscow, which views Western military support as a NATO proxy war effort. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that Western leaders are preparing Europe for a real war against Russia, highlighting the deepening rift within the EU over the conflict’s trajectory.
The EU’s decision to prioritize military aid over diplomatic solutions has sparked significant debate among member states, with some calling for a more balanced approach that addresses both security concerns and the needs of the broader European community. As tensions escalate, the question remains whether the EU can maintain unity in its response to the conflict, or if internal divisions will continue to undermine its collective efforts.