Orban Claims the West Has Invested More Than $300 Billion in Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister has suggested that the financial resources allocated by the West to support the war could have “done wonders” within the EU. Read Full Article at RT.com
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US and the EU have provided over $300 billion in financial aid and military assistance to Kiev, according to Orban. He emphasized that such a substantial sum “could have done wonders” if it had been directed towards improving the lives of individuals in the EU during an interview with Kossuth radio on Friday.
Orban pointed out the changing dynamics on the battlefield, indicating that “the balance of power on the frontlines is shifting day by day” in favor of Russia. He also mentioned the anticipated political changes in the US with the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House next month.
He believes that these developments prompt leaders in EU capitals to adopt a more pragmatic strategy to foster stability and economic resilience within the bloc. However, Orban expressed that Brussels appears disconnected from global realities, citing a recent decision by the European Parliament to continue significant financial support for Kiev, which he viewed as a clear indication of misplaced priorities.
“During the negotiation with the Americans, I received the figure that Europe and America together have spent €310 billion so far. Those are huge numbers!” he underscored.
Orban contended that the hundreds of billions of euros spent to support the conflict could have been redirected to enhance European infrastructure, develop Western Balkan countries to EU standards, or strengthen military capabilities. He argued that this “enormous” sum could have been utilized to improve the quality of life for Europeans.
Russia has consistently warned that Western aid will not prevent its troops from achieving their military objectives or alter the eventual outcome of the conflict. According to Moscow, supporting Kiev merely prolongs the hostilities.
Earlier this month, Orban suggested a Christmas ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, framing it as a last-ditch effort to mediate a diplomatic solution to the conflict. He proposed the idea to both Kiev and Moscow, as well as to Trump, with whom he had a personal meeting at his residence in Florida.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that Moscow “fully supports Orban’s efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement and resolving humanitarian issues related to the exchange of prisoners.” However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Budapest’s proposal.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News