Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called on the European Union to immediately stop providing financial aid to Ukraine, arguing that the bloc’s resources should instead be used to boost Europe’s own economic competitiveness amid ongoing challenges.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday as he arrived for talks with EU leaders, Orbán delivered a blunt message: “Don’t send your money to somebody else if you need it for your competitiveness, so don’t send the money to Ukraine.”

The comments come as the EU continues to grapple with support for Ukraine nearly four years into Russia’s full scale invasion. Brussels has committed billions in military, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv, including a recently approved €90 billion loan package aimed at sustaining Ukraine’s defense and state functions through 2027. Hungary has consistently opposed such measures, often using its veto power in EU decision making to delay or block initiatives requiring unanimous approval.

Orbán framed his position as part of a broader “recipe for victory” for Europe. “First, stop the war. War is bad for business. Let’s seek peace,” he said. “Second, let’s not send our money to others, as this is necessary for our competitiveness. So let’s not send the money to Ukraine. Third, reduce and cut back as much as you can the energy price. That’s so simple.”

The Hungarian leader, widely regarded as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally within the EU, has long criticized the bloc’s approach to the conflict, claiming it harms European economies through elevated energy costs, inflation, and diverted funds. He emphasized that continued war funding undermines growth and competitiveness, particularly as Europe faces pressures from global trade shifts and domestic economic revival needs.

This stance aligns with Hungary’s broader policy: the government has pledged not to contribute a single forint of taxpayer money to Ukraine’s support and has positioned opposition to further EU funding and Ukraine’s potential EU membership as key issues ahead of Hungary’s crucial April 2026 elections.

Recent developments have heightened tensions. The European Parliament fast-tracked approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine earlier this week, with disbursements potentially starting as early as April. Hungary, along with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, opted out of contributing to repayments or guarantees for the program. Orbán has also warned against fast-tracking Ukraine’s EU accession, describing certain Brussels plans as an “open declaration of war” against Hungary and accusing EU officials and Kyiv of seeking to influence his country’s upcoming vote.

Critics of Orbán argue his position isolates Hungary within the EU and aligns too closely with Moscow’s interests, while supporters view it as pragmatic realism prioritizing national and European economic interests over prolonged military involvement.

The remarks underscore deepening divisions in the EU over Ukraine policy, especially as member states debate long-term reconstruction plans reportedly worth hundreds of billions and search for ways to circumvent potential Hungarian vetoes on future aid packages or accession talks.

As EU leaders convene, Orbán’s call adds fresh pressure to discussions on balancing support for Ukraine with internal economic priorities, with no immediate signs of a shift in the bloc’s overall commitment to Kyiv.