Hungary: Hungary’s Prime Minister Mr. Viktor Orban, known for his differing views from Western allies on Ukraine, has stated that Kyiv’s troops are unlikely to win the war against Russia.

Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, the Prime Minister noted that the conflict, which started 15 months ago, can only be resolved by diplomacy.

“Looking at the reality, the figures, the surroundings, and the fact that NATO is not ready to send troops, it is obvious that there is no victory for the poor Ukrainians on the battlefield. That’s my position. The war can be stopped only if the Russians can reach an agreement with the US. In Europe, we are not happy with that, but it’s the only way out,” Mr. Orban remarked.

Hungary, which is an EU and NATO member, has been playing a balancing act since the war in Ukraine began. Budapest has refused to break ties with Moscow and has opposed NATO enlargement.

Recently, Mr. Orban opposed sending more EU military aid to Ukraine after authorities in Kyiv put Hungary’s OTP Bank on a list of “war sponsors” and blacklisted the bank.

In Doha, the Hungarian PM stated that if Ukraine needs more money, Kyiv should respect Hungary and not sanction Hungarian companies.

“Hungary is in a unique position as Ukraine is not far away. We have ethnic minorities living in Ukraine, and they are part of the war. They are conscripted, they are soldiers in the Ukrainian army, and they die. So we lose lives, Hungarian lives, as well,” Mr. Orban further remarked, referring to ethnic Hungarians within Ukraine.

“Our hearts are with the Ukrainians. We understand how much has happened. But I am speaking here as a politician, and the solution is to save lives,” the PM added.

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