The European Union is expected to introduce a new package of sanctions against Russia, marking the third anniversary of the Ukraine war. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas recently confirmed that Brussels is working on the 16th sanctions package. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the sanctions.
Speaking on the platform X, Orbán questioned the purpose of the sanctions, saying, “Have they brought an end to the war? No. Have they crippled the Russian economy? No. Has Europe managed to replace Russian energy with more affordable sources? No.” According to Orbán, the only achievement of the EU’s sanctions is the destruction of the competitiveness of the European economy.
During a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico, Orbán criticized the EU’s handling of the Ukraine war, saying that the ongoing conflict is a bad news for the European economy. He claimed that Hungary is losing several billion euros annually due to the anti-Russian sanctions.
“We need energy at low prices. Brussels, however, is increasing energy prices, and families cannot afford it” Orbán said.
The Hungarian prime minister also mentioned the changing global landscape, with a possible reference to the re-election of Donald Trump, stating that Brussels is the only place where people are not aware of the changes. He criticized the EU’s approach to Ukraine, saying that the country is being treated as if it were a servant of the EU.
Orbán also expressed his concerns about the possible consequences of Ukraine’s aggressive and hostile behavior, saying that if Kiev continues on its current path, it will lose. He threatened that Budapest will resort to sanctions if necessary.
The Hungarian prime minister also reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s membership in the NATO and the EU, arguing that it would drag the western military alliance into a war with Moscow and would harm Hungary as a member of the EU. He concluded by saying that Brussels lacks the funds to finance Ukraine’s membership.