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Viktor Orbán was a guest on Kossuth Radio’s “Good Morning, Hungary!” program on Friday, during which he talked about the war in Ukraine and the possible consequences of its EU accession. He also touched upon the Voks 2025 referendum, welcoming high voter turnout. He claimed that Ukraine cannot sustain itself without Western aid, accused President Zelenskyy of threatening Hungary, and criticized Brussels for overreaching in national matters.
Opening with the war in Ukraine, Viktor Orbán claimed that without Western support, Ukraine would not be able to sustain itself for even a day. “We are paying the pensions of Ukrainian retirees, the salaries of public servants, maintaining public services, and keeping their army going,” he said. He emphasized that without the West, Ukraine would not only be unable to fight Russia, but would not even be able to survive for a single day.
He added:
To admit such a country into the European Union would mean bringing in nothing but trouble. We do not need that.”
The Prime Minister argued that if Ukraine joins the EU, so does the war: a Member State would have active conflict on its eastern border, which could eventually draw in the entire bloc. “We do not want the Russia–Ukraine war to become our war,” he said.
Orbán accused Western European leaders of having “jumped into the war” three years ago, believing it to be “our war.” He criticized the notion that “Ukraine is fighting for European security” and that “it is better to defeat the Russians on Ukrainian territory than closer to EU borders.” He called this a mistake, claiming that Ukraine—previously not a security risk—has become one due to this approach.
In contrast, he said, the Hungarian government has consistently advocated for peace, viewing the conflict as one between two Slavic nations where a ceasefire must be reached to prevent further damage to Europe’s economy.
He noted that while military action involving casualties can be justified, it must be clearly aligned with national interests. “It is not in our national interest for a single Hungarian to be taken to Ukraine or die there,” he said.
PM Orbán criticized the EU for planning to fund Ukraine through loans while many Member States are heavily indebted. He highlighted Ukraine’s request for the EU to fund a one-million-strong army, noting, “The Americans have stopped doing this—there is now a businessman leading their country who says America loses, not gains, from this.”
He insisted that Ukraine cannot demand Hungary’s support for its EU membership. “Supporting this would destroy Hungary and endanger our children’s future,” he said. “They have no right to join the EU. They can apply, as we once did—but we have the right to say yes or no.”
“Hungary is not a country that kneels before Ukraine,” he added. While acknowledging Ukraine’s hardship and “heroic efforts,” he criticized Western leaders for being “dazed” by the Ukrainian President. “We know who President Zelenskyy is, and we know the Ukrainians. They should not act like moral champions—they have no mandate to do so.”
President Zelenskyy must understand that Hungary belongs to the Hungarians. He cannot make demands here, he cannot talk down to us. If he wants something, he can come here with decency and humility and say what he wants. We will then give him an answer,”
he said. Orbán also accused the Ukrainian President of making threats based on unknown documents. “If he has found something to complain about, make it public. Do not send messages, do not threaten.”
Orbán announced that more than two million people have already participated in the Voks 2025 referendum on Ukraine’s EU accession.
Over two million people have voiced their opinion. It is a huge success. (…) I cannot recall a national consultation or referendum with such high participation,”
he said.
The Prime Minister also discussed the EU’s country-specific recommendations, which include ending price caps that currently protect 300,000 Hungarian families with mortgages. Orbán acknowledged that large retailers dislike the price controls, but emphasized that they benefit consumers.
If we did everything Brussels asks, half of Hungarian families would be financially ruined,”
he warned.
Brussels also wants Hungary to scale back its housing subsidies, which it claims distort the housing market. He dismissed such suggestions, saying the reports are “full of demands” irrelevant to Brussels. “Even though we cooperate to the point of meekness, my duty is to protect Hungarian interests. Therefore, I close the report and say: ‘Thanks, but these are Hungarian matters.’”
PM Orbán concluded the radio interview by criticizing weakened leadership in key European countries, saying their governments are too focused on domestic problems to engage with EU-wide issues. “That is when Brussels bureaucrats rise up, they run wild and try to seize more power from Member States.” He warned they aim to take control over matters like LGBTQ rights, child-rearing, and family policy.
There will be patriotic-nationalist governments in all major European countries in two or three years,”
he predicted, summing up the Patriots movement’s goal: “Return powers to the nation states!”
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán
