Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has claimed that European leaders are privately forming «war councils» to prepare for victory in a potential third world war, alleging the EU is shifting away from diplomacy towards large-scale military confrontation with Russia.
Speaking at an anti-war rally on 17 January, Orban said discussions among EU leaders in Brussels were no longer focused on peace efforts but on how to defeat Russia and impose reparations, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He warned that Europe was «steadily moving towards direct conflict» with Moscow.
Orban, a frequent critic of EU policy, said Hungary would refuse to send troops or funding to the conflict, arguing that involvement would threaten the country’s economic future. «If you have no money, you have no grand plan,» he told supporters.
EU officials have dismissed Orban’s claims, insisting that high-level meetings focus on defensive security measures and humanitarian support, not preparations for war. Critics have also questioned the timing of the remarks, noting Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 2026.
The comments come amid heightened global tensions, with the war in Ukraine continuing and fresh strains within NATO following renewed controversy surrounding former US president Donald Trump’s statements on Greenland.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan is considering the purchase or local assembly of the Chinese-made VN22 armoured vehicle.
