Orban opposes Ukraine's EU accession, claiming it would 'destroy' Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated his opposition to Ukraine's accession to the European Union on Feb. 28, warning that it would "destroy" Hungary, the country's public broadcaster Hirado reported.

"It will destroy us. First of all, it will destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture; secondly, it will destroy the entire Hungarian national economy, and I have no idea how we will control the crime that will flood into Hungary with this," Orban said.

While he acknowledged that circumstances could change in the future, Orban insisted that Ukraine's accession was "unthinkable" under current conditions.

Orban, widely seen as the EU's most pro-Russian leader, has repeatedly opposed military aid for Ukraine, arguing that Western support prolongs the war.

He has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting him despite the full-scale invasion and amplifying Kremlin narratives in Europe.

Hungary has used its veto power to stall key EU decisions on Ukraine, including military aid and accession talks.

Budapest has also demanded the removal of eight individuals from the EU's Russia sanctions list and fresh guarantees on Ukraine's gas transit negotiations before agreeing to renew the restrictions, Reuters reported on Feb. 25.

In previous negotiations, Hungary secured exemptions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill and the domestic use of Russian oil products.

Kirill, a close ally of the Kremlin, has publicly endorsed Russia's war against Ukraine, yet Budapest has blocked EU efforts to sanction him.

Ukraine applied for EU membership in 2022 and achieved candidate status within months. Accession talks formally began in June 2024, with European leaders setting a 2030 target for Ukraine's potential entry.

Unanimity among EU members is required for further progress, giving Hungary leverage to delay or block the process.