Orbán Criticizes EU’s €135 Billion Ukraine Funding Plan, Calls It a “Brussels Dead End”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sharply criticized the European Union’s latest proposal to secure €135 billion in additional financial support for Ukraine, accusing the European Commission of pushing the bloc toward unsustainable commitments and long-term risks. Orbán’s remarks directly target European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is leading efforts to assemble the new financial package.

Orbán: “The EU Doesn’t Have the Money”

In a strong statement, Orbán argued that Brussels is attempting to gather an amount of money it does not actually possess. According to him, the Commission is relying on three controversial proposals:

1. Member States Should Contribute from National Budgets

Orbán criticized the idea that EU countries should “willingly and cheerfully” provide more money from their already strained national budgets. He argued that expecting governments to divert funds during a period of inflation, economic slowdown, and internal challenges is unrealistic.

2. Joint EU Borrowing — “A Burden for Future Generations”

The second proposal involves issuing new joint EU debt, a mechanism used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orbán strongly opposes further collective borrowing, calling it a “Brussels magic trick” that shifts the financial burden onto future generations. He said such a strategy postpones immediate costs while increasing long-term fiscal pressure.

3. Using Frozen Russian Assets — A Risky Legal Experiment

The third proposal — and perhaps the most controversial — is to seize frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine. Orbán warned that this could lead to legal battles, international disputes, and even potential economic instability within the eurozone. According to him, such a move might trigger lawsuits, retaliation, and broader financial consequences.

Orbán Calls for a Shift from Funding War to Pursuing Peace

In his statement, the Hungarian leader argued that continued financing of Ukraine “prolongs a war that cannot be won,” describing the Ukrainian government as a “war mafia” and accusing EU leaders of ignoring the risks of indefinite conflict.

Orbán urged EU institutions to “choose common sense” by focusing on peace negotiations rather than military or financial escalation. He positioned Hungary as a dissenting voice within the bloc, calling the EU’s current Ukraine strategy a “Brussels dead end” that must be reversed.

A Growing Rift Inside the European Union

Orbán’s remarks reflect the deepening divide within the EU over long-term support for Ukraine. While the majority of member states back continued military and economic assistance, Hungary has repeatedly blocked or delayed joint decisions, arguing for a diplomatic rather than military approach.

As the EU debates its next steps, the €135 billion proposal remains one of the most contentious financial packages in recent years — highlighting not only differing geopolitical visions, but also contrasting views on the EU’s financial future.