Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the European Union must reassess its support for Ukraine in light of Donald Trump‘s recent election victory in the U.S. He emphasized that Europe cannot bear the financial burden of the war on its own, just prior to a summit of EU leaders on Friday.

Trump has been critical of the extent of U.S. assistance to Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in 2022. He previously indicated a desire to resolve the conflict before assuming office, although he did not provide specific details on how he would achieve this.

The future of aid to Ukraine is a significant issue for the EU following Trump’s election, as the bloc grapples with internal divisions and the political instability of its two largest nations, Germany—whose government has recently collapsed—and a weakened France.

Orban, a close ally of Trump, remarked on state radio that he believes the U.S. will withdraw its involvement in the conflict, stating, “The Americans will quit this war; they will not support it any longer,” ahead of the informal EU summit he is set to host in Budapest.

Europe cannot bear the financial burden of this war independently. While some advocate for the continued provision of substantial funds to this seemingly futile conflict, an increasing number of voices are either remaining silent or cautiously suggesting that we must adapt to the evolving circumstances.

Together with the United States, the EU and its member states rank among the largest contributors of military and financial support to Ukraine, with most EU leaders expressing strong backing for this ongoing commitment.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed this position in Budapest on Friday, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its own defense capabilities. “Russia has invaded Ukraine and is persisting in this war with relentless brutality,” he stated.

“It is clear that as the European Union, we must collectively take the necessary steps to ensure our security. Our success will depend on the contributions of all member states.”

CEASEFIRE APPEAL

Orban has urged for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, advocating for subsequent peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow—a proposal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly dismissed.

“This presents a grave challenge for our citizens: first a ceasefire, and then we will see. Who are you? Are your children perishing?” Zelenskiy remarked during a press conference in Budapest on Thursday, shortly after Orban reiterated his appeal.

“A ceasefire is being suggested by a leader who opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership. Just imagine… this is absurd and creates discord,” Zelenskiy stated.

Only Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico advocated for a shift in the Ukraine strategy during a dinner of EU leaders in Budapest on Thursday evening, while others maintained that the current approach is effective, according to a senior EU official.

However, leaders are aware of the potential for reduced U.S. support for Ukraine under Trump and have started to deliberate on their response should that occur, officials report.

Fico, who ceased state military aid to Ukraine upon taking office a year ago, indicated that Slovakia would resist the EU assuming “financial responsibility” for Ukraine if U.S. assistance under Trump were to be limited or terminated.

In a video shared on his Facebook page, Fico asserted that if the EU can allocate funds for Ukraine, it should also be able to finance efforts against illegal migration, which he described as an “existential threat” to the bloc.

“I stressed that if we are to allocate resources for Ukraine, we must also ensure funding for issues that pose a significantly greater threat to the EU,” he stated.