BUDAPEST/BRUSSELS/MOSCOW:Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a fierce attack on the European Union after an informal EU Summit in Copenhagen, accusing Brussels of presenting a “war strategy” to defeat Russia, a move he called “horrifying” and a direct threat to peace in Europe.
Orban, arriving at the European Political Community gathering on Thursday, claimed that EU leaders had effectively decided “to go to war” by endorsing proposals to expand defense production capacity, particularly in drones and anti-drone systems, and to channel profits from immobilized Russian assets into loans for Ukraine.
“The pressure is great. So, I will suggest to the Fidesz presidency that we start a signature campaign in Hungary against the EU’s war plans. Because we need all our strength to stay out of this war,” Orban told reporters, vowing to resist Brussels’ policy direction.
Following the closed-door talks, European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed that leaders had supported “priority flagship projects” designed to bolster Europe’s security architecture, including the creation of a “European drone wall” and enhanced surveillance along NATO’s eastern flank.
Orban Blocks Ukraine’s EU Membership Bid
Orban also reiterated Hungary’s opposition to changing enlargement rules to fast-track Ukraine’s EU accession. He dismissed the proposal outright, saying:
“I told them I do not agree, so this plan is dead.”
Instead, Orban argued that Kyiv should be offered only a “strategic partnership” rather than full membership, warning that admitting Ukraine would mean that “the war would enter the European Union.”
Moscow Labels EU Move “Theft,” Threatens Consequences
Meanwhile, Moscow reacted furiously to the EU’s plan to redirect Russian assets. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the move as “banal theft” and warned that European capitals would face inevitable retaliation.
“Any actions that imply changes to the legal status of Russian assets will mean the arbitrary disposal of someone else’s property. This is criminal, and consequences are guaranteed for those who initiate or participate in such expropriation measures,” Zakharova said at a press briefing in Moscow.
She warned that Russia had “sufficient political and economic countermeasures” at its disposal and claimed that European taxpayers would ultimately bear the cost of what she called “von der Leyen’s scams.”
Broader Context
The sharp rhetoric underscores the widening rift within the EU as it struggles to balance support for Ukraine with fears of escalation. Orban, who has long positioned himself as the EU’s most pro-Moscow leader, has repeatedly vetoed or slowed down sanctions packages and military aid efforts. His latest attack comes as Brussels attempts to strengthen its collective defense industry and respond to warnings that Russia’s war could expand beyond Ukraine’s borders.
For the Kremlin, the EU’s plan to weaponize frozen Russian assets sets a dangerous precedent that could spark retaliatory measures against European investments and deepen the economic standoff.
-WNN
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