Hungary PM Orban says Europe cannot finance Ukraine war alone

BUDAPEST: The United States under the presidency of Donald Trump will “quit” the war in Ukraine and Europe cannot finance this war alone, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday before an informal summit of EU leaders in Budapest.

“The Americans will quit this war, first of all they will not encourage the war,” Orban said. “Europe cannot finance this war alone ... some still want to continue sending enormous amounts of money into this lost war but the number of those who remain silent ...and those who cautiously voice that we should adjust to the new situation, is growing.”

Along with the United States, the EU and its member countries are among the biggest donors of military and financial aid to Ukraine and most EU leaders have voiced strong support for continuing on that path.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that stance in Budapest on Friday, saying Europe also needs to beef up its own defences. “Russia has invaded Ukraine and is continuing this war with unchanged brutality,” he said.

“One question is quite clear: Together as the European Union, as Europeans, we must do what is necessary for our security. This will be particularly successful if everyone makes their contribution.”