"Military spending on Ukraine would destroy the EU" - Hungarian leader Orban explains decision to defy Brussels
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said the European Union cannot afford to finance the war in Ukraine without the support of the United States. He said military spending for Kiev would destroy Europe.
The European Union cannot afford to finance Ukraine's military efforts when US financial aid is no longer guaranteed, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Tuesday. The statement came after leaders of the 26 EU countries signed an agreement expressing support for Kiev, without Hungary's approval.
Orban, an ally of United States President Donald Trump, said his government would launch an internal "public consultation" on Ukraine's accession to the European Union in the coming weeks.
European leaders backed plans to spend more on defense and continue support for Ukraine despite the Trump administration's policy shift.
But Orban, who has refused to send weapons to Ukraine since the start of the war and has maintained close relations with Moscow, said that instead of prolonging the war, Europe should support the peace talks that Trump has initiated.
According to him, the way the EU wants to support Ukraine now, while also increasing the bloc's defense spending, would "destroy Europe."
"If the US now gives up funding the war... the other 26 member states would have no chance of bringing this war to an end. Today it seems that I have vetoed it. But within weeks they will change their minds, as there is not enough money for these purposes," Orban stressed.
Trump has said Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. He again cast doubt on his willingness to defend NATO allies, saying he would not do so if they did not pay enough for their defense.
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