During a two-day summit in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made headlines by stating that Ukraine has already lost the war against Russia's invasion. Orbán's comments come amidst speculation that U.S. support for Kyiv may wane under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
The European Union's 27 leaders gathered in Budapest to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with many emphasizing the importance of providing weapons and financial assistance to support Ukraine's security. Orbán, known for his close ties to both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for an immediate cease-fire and predicted that Trump would bring an end to the conflict.
Recent reports indicate that Russian forces have made modest gains in eastern Ukraine, putting pressure on Ukraine's military, which is facing challenges in matching Russia's superior firepower and resources. Western support, particularly from the EU and the U.S., has been crucial for Ukraine in sustaining its defense efforts.
However, concerns have arisen over the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine following Trump's election victory. Trump has been critical of U.S. assistance to Ukraine, raising uncertainties about the continuation of support for Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed reservations about Trump's suggestion that the conflict could be swiftly resolved, warning that a hasty resolution could result in unfavorable terms for Ukraine, potentially leading to territorial concessions.
Orbán has been known to challenge EU support for Ukraine, often obstructing efforts to provide military aid and sanctions against Russia. Despite Orbán's stance, EU leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of sending a strong message to authoritarian regimes worldwide.
European Council President Charles Michel underscored the need to bolster Ukraine's defenses, highlighting the broader implications of failing to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
