Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has launched a fierce new attack on the European Union's leadership, issuing a severe warning against plans to utilise frozen Russian state assets. Orbán stated that such an action would be tantamount to a "declaration of war", sharply criticising Brussels for escalating tensions with Moscow.
A Stark Warning and Accusations of Economic Ruin
In comments made on December 18, 2025, the Hungarian leader accused the EU of pushing itself into a direct conflict while its leadership presides over what he termed "ruined economies." This remark is seen as a thinly-veiled criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc's current strategic direction. The dispute centres on more than €190 billion in Russian assets that were frozen by the EU following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Deepening Divisions Within the European Bloc
Orbán's latest outburst significantly deepens existing fractures within the 27-nation union. The EU has been engaged in a prolonged and difficult debate on how aggressively it should pressure Russia financially and militarily as the war in Ukraine continues. Hungary, under Orbán's leadership, has consistently adopted the most Russia-friendly position among EU member states, often blocking or watering down proposed sanctions and aid packages for Kyiv.
The proposal to actively use the frozen Russian funds—potentially to finance Ukraine's reconstruction or military defence—has been a particularly contentious point. While several member states advocate for this bold step, Hungary views it as a dangerous provocation that could draw the West into a wider confrontation.
The Broader Context of EU Unity
This incident is not an isolated one. It highlights the ongoing struggle within the EU to maintain a unified front on foreign policy, especially regarding the conflict in Eastern Europe. Orbán's government has repeatedly argued that sanctions have failed and have instead damaged European economies, a stance that puts it at odds with the majority of its partners.
The Hungarian Prime Minister's warning comes at a critical juncture, as European leaders attempt to formulate a coherent long-term strategy for supporting Ukraine. His rhetoric frames the EU's potential actions not as legitimate economic pressure but as an act of belligerence, challenging the very foundation of the bloc's consensus on Russia.
As the debate rages, the future of the massive frozen assets remains uncertain. Orbán's dramatic intervention ensures that any decision will be reached only after intense and divisive negotiations, testing the limits of European solidarity once again.
