“We didn’t ask them to fight on our behalf”: Hungary does not believe that Ukraine is defending Europe from Russia

The political advisor to the Hungarian Prime Minister, Balázs Orbán, rejected Kyiv’s partners’ slogan that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are defending not only their own country but also Europe from Russian invasion.

His remarks were reported by the local outlet Telex.

Orbán stated that Budapest supports the idea of strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and increasing military spending. However, Hungary opposes supplying weapons to Ukraine, as this would lead to confrontation with Russia — something Hungarians do not want.

The advisor also criticized the notion that Ukraine is fighting Russia for the security of all of Europe.

“Ukrainians are fighting for themselves, and they have the right to do so. But this war is not for our security. We never asked them to fight on our behalf <…>. Ukrainians are pursuing their own interests; this is not Europe’s business. Let’s see how this strategy ends,” the Hungarian prime minister’s advisor stated.

“Hundreds of thousands have already died, millions have fled the country, and Ukraine has lost its financial independence <…>. That is why the Hungarian Prime Minister tried to persuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that time is not on his side and that it would be better if he also tried to negotiate,” Balázs Orbán added.

Recall that earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called Ukraine “a kind of undefined entity” and confirmed that Hungary blocked Kyiv’s accession to the EU.