| | | Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán Sends Stark Warning to Putin Over Ukraine War (msn.com)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has cautioned his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, regarding the likelihood of defeating Kyiv in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Ever since Putin launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine in February 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which Hungary is a part of, has stood by Ukraine and denounced Russia’s “brutal and unlawful war of aggression.” This has put Orbán in a tough spot, given that Hungary has maintained ties with Russia.
During a radio interview on Friday, Orbán admitted that his ally may be in way over his head as the Russia-Ukraine war rages on. “If the Russians were strong enough to defeat the Ukrainians in one go, they would have been defeated, but that’s not what we’re seeing,” Orbán said.
His remarks have resonated across NATO, an alliance that stands in firm support of Ukraine. The Hungarian Prime Minister also dismissed fears of Russia turning its military might towards NATO, stating, “NATO’s strength is not comparable to Ukraine’s. A hundredfold, maybe a thousandfold, so I don’t think it’s logical to assume that Russia, who can’t even deal with Ukraine, will suddenly come and catch the whole Western world.”
The conflict in Ukraine has taken a serious toll on both parties, with recent data showing high Russian casualties and ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv. Orbán has stated his goal to prevent Hungary from engaging in activities beyond the military alliance’s borders. This decision, showcasing Hungary’s distinctive position within the alliance, requires a legal review of the nation’s role in NATO operations, as per Orbán. He maintains that NATO will not be involved in conflicts with countries outside the alliance.
The Hungarian leader has also been critical of what he perceives as a preparation for direct military conflict, particularly within European Union circles. “What is happening today in Brussels and Washington — perhaps more in Brussels than in Washington — is a kind of mood of preparation for a possible direct military conflict; we can safely call it: preparation for Europe to go to war,” he warned.
Hungary’s stance marks a noteworthy contrast within NATO and the EU. Several EU cities are concerned that, should Trump secure a second term, Orbán may support a potential Trump proposal to resolve the Ukraine conflict by negotiating a peace agreement with Moscow and giving up territory claimed by the Kremlin.
A senior official of a NATO country, granted anonymity to speak freely, said: “It’s not a surprise given his close ties with Trump and Putin. Let’s wait and see what Szijjártó tells us in Prague next week,” referring to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. |
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