Money will eventually push EU to force Kiev into peace talks: Orban

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Sep 2023 23:56
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Hungary's Prime Minister says despite clear economic repercussions on Europe, a majority of the bloc's officials remain "war supporters".

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, Ukraine, in May 2023 (AFP)

European countries will ultimately force Ukraine into peace negotiations with Russia due to the bloc's plummeting economic standard, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday.

During an interview for Kossuth Radio on Friday, Orban asserted that the "deterioration of the economic situation in the West will force countries to stand up for peace."

His analysis underscores the significant impact the ongoing conflict has on Europe's economy and the potential impetus for change as long as it persists.

Nevertheless, Orban pointed out that despite the economic repercussions, a majority of EU governments still support the continuation of the conflict, characterizing "war supporters" as prevalent among them.

In his view, if there is a factor that could prompt member capitals to reconsider their stance, it is the further fall of the continent's money markets. He believes that many Europeans already share Hungary's anti-war position, and economic setbacks might compel these individuals to "exert pressure" on their governments.

Additionally, the Prime Minister speculated about the influence of the upcoming US presidential elections on the West's general position regarding the conflict.

He outlined two possibilities: the presidential candidates either endorsing the war or announcing its end. This, he suggested, could significantly impact the conflict's trajectory, as he believes a US president possesses the capacity to "put an end" to the conflict. However, Orban cautioned against passively waiting for a miraculous resolution, emphasizing the need for proactive diplomatic efforts.

Furthermore, the Hungarian premier criticized the European approach to the conflict thus far, highlighting the substantial financial support provided to Ukraine. He contended that despite the significant financial aid amounting to "181 billion of European money," there has been no progress toward achieving peace.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, criticized the West for its warmongering efforts, and emphasized that military confrontation is not a viable solution.

Orban also repeatedly called on the United States and Kiev's other allies to stop sending weapons to Ukraine, avoid military escalation, and adopt a diplomatic approach to seek peace with Moscow.