Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's accession to the European Union on Feb. 28, warning that it will "destroy" Hungary, the nation's public broadcaster Hirado reported.
"It’s going to destroy us. To start with, it is going to destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture; secondly, it is going to destroy all the Hungarian nationwide economic system, and I do not know how we’ll management the crime that can flood into Hungary with this," Orban stated.
Whereas he acknowledged that circumstances might change sooner or later, Orban insisted that Ukraine's accession was "unthinkable" below present circumstances.
Orban, extensively seen because the EU's most pro-Russian chief, has repeatedly opposed navy assist for Ukraine, arguing that Western assist prolongs the conflict.
He has maintained shut ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, assembly him regardless of the full-scale invasion and amplifying Kremlin narratives in Europe.
Hungary has used its veto energy to stall key EU choices on Ukraine, together with navy assist and accession talks.
Budapest has additionally demanded the removing of eight people from the EU's Russia sanctions record and contemporary ensures on Ukraine's fuel transit negotiations earlier than agreeing to resume the restrictions, Reuters reported on Feb. 25.
In earlier negotiations, Hungary secured exemptions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill and the home use of Russian oil merchandise.
Kirill, an in depth ally of the Kremlin, has publicly endorsed Russia's conflict in opposition to Ukraine, but Budapest has blocked EU efforts to sanction him.
Ukraine utilized for EU membership in 2022 and achieved candidate standing inside months. Accession talks formally started in June 2024, with European leaders setting a 2030 goal for Ukraine's potential entry.
Unanimity amongst EU members is required for additional progress, giving Hungary leverage to delay or block the method.
The Kyiv IndependentTennyson Dearing