DOHA, Qatar – Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban insisted on Tuesday that Ukraine cannot win its war with Russia and argued that Washington should step in to end the conflict.
Orban, who is at odds with other EU members over the war and has blocked EU aid to Ukraine, reaffirmed calls for a ceasefire.
Speaking at a conference in Qatar, he also argued that the United States and its partners in Europe should enter into a new security pact with Russia.
The veteran Hungarian leader, who has not condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, told the Qatar Economic Forum that Russia’s invasion was the result of a “failure of diplomacy”.
“It is clear that the battlefield solution does not work,” he said, stressing that Ukraine could not win.
“Looking at the reality, looking at the data, looking at the environment, looking at the fact that NATO is not ready to send troops, it is clear that there is no victory for poor Ukrainians on the battlefield,” he said. . “This is my position.”
First responders clear debris from a residential building in Uman, central Ukraine, after the Russian attack, April 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernet Armangue)
Orban said that “our hearts are with Ukrainians” and added “we understand how much they are suffering.”
“The escalation must be stopped and we must argue in favor of peace and dialogue,” he told the forum.
Orban said that after the ceasefire there should be a new European security agreement with Russia.
“Ukraine as a state is certainly very important, but in the long term, thinking strategically, the future security of Europe is at stake,” he said.
People look at an apartment building damaged by drones during an overnight Russian attack in Kiev, Ukraine, May 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Kravchenko)
“It is clear that without the United States there is no security framework for Europe. And this war cannot be stopped … unless Russia comes to an agreement with America.
“As a European, I’m not happy about it, but it’s the only way.”
Orban also attacked the EU leadership for being “intellectual”, but said his country cannot leave the bloc because 85 percent of its exports go to other member states.
He said half of Hungary’s energy needs are met by Russia, but Budapest is in talks with Qatar to import natural gas, with hopes that deliveries could begin in 2026.
