BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has criticized Western countries for their involvement in the Ukraine conflict, claiming they are losing the war and are unwilling to acknowledge their failure or bring it to an end. Speaking on the Kossuth radio station, Orban reiterated Hungary’s stance of not being drawn into the war, despite external pressures.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Orban highlighted the difficult position in which Western nations find themselves, describing their military efforts as a war that has already been lost. He questioned whether Hungary has the flexibility to navigate this situation, given the Western countries’ reluctance to cease hostilities with Russia. Orban emphasized that Hungary’s principled stance has allowed it to maintain “room for maneuver” economically, despite the impacts of the war.

Orban expressed concerns over the revival of Cold War dynamics in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly in the economic sphere. He asserted that Hu
ngary has managed to avoid involvement in the war and intends to steer clear of economic policies influenced by flawed military strategies. Despite EU sanctions, Hungary has continued purchasing Russian oil and gas, having secured exemptions.

The Hungarian Prime Minister also speculated on the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, expressing hope that a victory for former President Donald Trump might shift American policy towards peace. Orban suggested that Trump’s return could facilitate a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, indicating that Hungary would no longer be isolated if the “party of peace” were to prevail in the United States.