Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused the EU of intentionally delaying the Ukraine peace process, claiming the bloc’s approach is akin to that of a ‘gambler with bad cards.’ In a sharp critique, Orban alleged that while the US and Russia are engaged in constructive talks to end the conflict, the EU remains mired in ‘plotting war’ rather than pursuing diplomacy. He warned that this delay poses a significant threat to the entire continent, as Western European leaders have become increasingly entrenched in their ‘war propaganda.’
Orban delivered these remarks during a speech at the Istvan Pastor Prize ceremony, which coincided with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Budapest. He argued that Western Europe has no place at the negotiating table for Ukraine, comparing the bloc to a gambler desperate to change the rules of the game. Such tactics, he emphasized, are ill-suited for international diplomacy, likening them to trying to ‘play cards’ with someone who has a poor hand. Orban also criticized the EU for its hostile stance toward Russia and its opposition to sanctions on Moscow, which he believes has eroded its credibility and influence in global affairs.
Orban’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about a US-proposed peace plan that requires Kyiv to abandon its NATO aspirations and drop territorial claims. Western European allies were reportedly caught off guard by the proposal, leading to a scramble to draft a counter-proposal, which some argue was not as effective. Moscow has expressed opposition to these changes, indicating the path to a resolution remains fraught. Orban, who has long been at odds with Brussels, has repeatedly called for a more balanced approach in dealing with Russia and has even suggested Hungary as a potential venue for talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
In recent days, Orban has been in Moscow for discussions on energy security, during which he indicated that Hungary is considering purchasing Russia’s stake in Serbian oil company NIS, a move that could invite US sanctions if its ownership does not change. The Hungarian leader also signaled that the two leaders will discuss Ukraine peace efforts, noting that ‘we can hardly avoid it.’ His remarks underscore a growing frustration within certain European nations over the EU’s perceived inaction and the broader geopolitical tensions shaping the region.