Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned of Europe’s growing involvement in the war in Ukraine, stressing that the main goal of his government is to prevent Hungary from being drawn into the conflict and to preserve peace through strategic restraint and a considered foreign policy.
Speaking at an anti-war rally in Miskolc, Orban referred to Hungary’s historical entanglement in two world wars.
He emphasized that, although previous leaders wanted to avoid war, in the end, they did not succeed.
“We wanted to stay out, but we could not, so the big question is whether we can succeed now. I believe that it is possible,” he posted on X.
Orban made it clear that the main priority of his government is to prevent Hungary from becoming involved in the war. This goal, he emphasized, is not guaranteed by desire alone, but requires thoughtful decisions in foreign policy, grounded in experience and strategic foresight.
“I need all my knowledge, all my experience, all my 35 years of expertise in foreign policy to keep this country out of it,” he said, underlining the weight of the responsibility.
“We cannot entrust this task to some drifters.”
His statements came amid increasing pressure within the European Union (EU) to deepen military support for Ukraine.
Highlighting the growing danger of this trend, the Hungarian prime minister outlined the steps of escalation: first helmets, then military supplies, then weapons, and now talks about sending troops.
“This is how they draw us into war,” he warned, pointing to calls for conscription across the EU and the possibility of Western troops entering Ukraine.
In contrast, Hungary’s position remains one of strategic restraint. Orban reiterated that Hungary is sending neither money nor weapons to Ukraine. Instead, his government is building international alliances that can strengthen its ability to resist pressure for military involvement.
“We are building our international relations in such a way that Hungary can stay out of this war,” he explained.
The message from Miskolc was also a call to Hungarian voters ahead of the upcoming elections. Emphasizing the link between internal stability and peace, Orban stated that a stable Hungarian government is a prerequisite for preventing conflict in the country.
“This is not a time for gambling,” he said, adding:
“We must choose a safe response: Fidesz.”
As European debates on military engagement and defense integration intensify, Orban did not try to hide the high stakes, acknowledging the complexity and seriousness of the moment.
“This is not a time for improvisation,” he concluded, drawing a clear line between Hungary’s anti-war stance and what he described as the reckless posturing of others.
Parliamentary elections in Hungary are expected to be held in April 2026.
Hungary has long opposed the EU’s policy toward Ukraine, often blocking or slowing joint financial packages and sanctions.
Budapest maintains closer relations with Russia than most Union members, particularly in the field of energy cooperation and political dialogue, which regularly leads to tensions with Brussels.
