Orban Says Ukraine Has ‘No Chance’ as EU Support Continues

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has delivered a stark warning regarding the war in Ukraine, claiming that Kyiv has “no chance” of prevailing against Russia’s invasion. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on the MD Meets podcast with Mathias Dopfner, Orban sharply criticized European Union leaders, accusing them of prolonging the conflict by continuing to send military and financial aid to Ukraine.

“The situation and the time is better for the Russians than for us. Don’t continue. Stop it as soon as we can,” Orban told Dopfner, emphasizing his belief that ongoing support for Ukraine is both strategically and economically detrimental to Europe. He described continued aid as “financially… crazy,” arguing that diverting funds and resources to Kyiv is weakening the EU while bolstering Russian positions on the battlefield.

Orban’s comments build upon a candid analysis he presented during a recent visit to Washington, where he met former US President Donald Trump. According to Orban, European nations have backed Ukraine under the assumption that Kyiv can win the war—a belief he considers a “misunderstanding of the situation.” Asked by Trump whether he believed Ukraine could win, Orban replied with a laugh: “You know, miracles can happen.”

Unlike nearly every other EU leader, Orban has refused to supply Ukraine with economic aid or military assistance, positioning himself as a dissenting voice within the bloc. He has publicly criticized EU members who continue to support Kyiv, labelling them as warmongers, and has cast the bloc itself as an oppressive force, drawing historical comparisons with the Soviet Union, which dominated Hungary for decades in the 20th century.

Orban’s stance is closely tied to Hungary’s energy dependence. As a landlocked country, Hungary relies heavily on Russian oil and gas to meet domestic demand, and Orban has repeatedly described this reliance as a pragmatic necessity rather than an ideological alignment with Moscow. During his recent Washington visit, Orban secured a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian energy imports, allowing Hungary to continue purchasing Russian oil and gas without penalty. In return, Hungary agreed to procure natural gas from the United States, highlighting a balancing act between energy security and geopolitical positioning.

The Hungarian leader’s controversial statements and energy policies are also politically motivated. Orban faces parliamentary elections next year, and polls suggest he is trailing challenger Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party. Magyar has portrayed Orban as “the closest EU ally of Vladimir Putin,” asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a vested interest in ensuring Orban remains in power. Magyar has positioned himself as an alternative for voters seeking closer integration with the EU while criticizing Orban’s alignment with Moscow.

Orban has defended his energy strategy, insisting it is purely practical. “Our need for Russian energy is not ideological or political,” he said, stressing Hungary’s landlocked geography as a limiting factor in sourcing alternative energy supplies. He argues that ensuring affordable and reliable energy for Hungarian citizens takes precedence over EU-wide policy alignment or ideological considerations.

Orban’s latest remarks come at a time of heightened tension in Europe over the war in Ukraine. Kyiv has struggled to maintain control over territory in the east while attempting to push back against Russian advances in the south and along other key fronts. The European Union and NATO countries have ramped up aid, supplying both military equipment and economic assistance to support Ukrainian forces, despite concerns about escalating the conflict.

The Hungarian prime minister’s public skepticism of Ukraine’s chances stands in stark contrast to the position of most EU member states, who have repeatedly emphasized that military and financial support is necessary to deter Russian aggression. Analysts note that Orban’s approach highlights divisions within the EU, raising questions about the bloc’s ability to maintain a unified policy on security and defense in Eastern Europe.

Orban has also linked his anti-Ukraine-aid rhetoric to broader criticisms of EU governance. He has described the bloc’s policies as “oppressive” and overly bureaucratic, portraying Brussels as disconnected from the practical realities faced by member states, particularly smaller nations with limited energy options. His comments echo longstanding grievances in Hungary about EU oversight, sovereignty, and financial contributions.

Observers suggest that Orban’s approach reflects both domestic and international strategic calculations. By publicly opposing Ukraine aid, he reinforces his appeal to nationalist and conservative segments of the Hungarian electorate who prioritize energy security and national sovereignty over EU alignment. Internationally, his positioning allows him to maintain a pragmatic relationship with Moscow while simultaneously engaging with Washington and other Western actors to secure exemptions and favorable trade terms.

Despite the criticism, Orban’s energy and geopolitical strategy has allowed Hungary to maintain relative stability in the domestic economy while avoiding punitive measures from key international partners. His Washington visit, culminating in the sanctions exemption and US gas purchases, underscores the complex balancing act Hungary must perform to navigate both Russian relations and Western expectations.

Political analysts also note that Orban’s framing of Ukraine’s prospects could have broader implications for EU policy. By questioning the effectiveness of continued aid, Orban is challenging the assumption that military and economic support can decisively alter the balance on the battlefield. This could influence debates among EU members over the scale, duration, and conditions of support for Kyiv, particularly as the war enters its fourth year.

Orban’s statements have provoked strong reactions from opposition figures and civil society groups within Hungary, who accuse him of undermining European unity and siding with Moscow. Critics argue that his rhetoric weakens collective European efforts to deter Russian aggression and could embolden Moscow to continue military operations without fear of significant EU consequences.

Meanwhile, international observers continue to track developments on the ground in Ukraine, noting that while Russian forces maintain strong positions in several regions, Ukrainian counter-offensives have achieved localized successes. Analysts caution that the war’s trajectory remains uncertain, with battlefield dynamics, international support, and internal political pressures all playing pivotal roles in shaping outcomes.

Orban’s comments, therefore, are not merely a domestic political strategy but a significant intervention in the international discourse on the Ukraine conflict. By asserting that Kyiv has “no chance” of victory and advocating for direct negotiations with Russia, Orban is positioning Hungary as a critical outlier within Europe, challenging prevailing assumptions and urging a recalibration of strategy at the EU level.

As the war continues, the interplay between European unity, national interests, and individual leadership decisions will likely influence the trajectory of the conflict, the provision of aid to Ukraine, and the long-term security architecture of Eastern Europe. Orban’s outspoken position highlights the delicate balance between supporting allies and safeguarding national priorities in a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.