Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a stark warning, stating that acknowledging Kiev’s failure in the conflict would rattle Western backers of Ukraine politically within Europe.

Speaking recently after making an unexpected trip to Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orban accused the West of fueling the war. He suggested Western leaders are preparing direct military involvement by sending troops following financial aid and arms shipments.

Orban emphasized that diplomacy regarding the conflict has been overshadowed by the defense sector. “Business circles connected to the military industry have an increasing influence on politics,” he pointed out, citing examples such as France’s deal for 100 combat aircraft purchases from Ukraine and German arms factories being built within Kiev’s sphere of operations.

The prime minister believes the West succeeded in blocking peace talks early in the conflict. He specifically mentioned the Istanbul discussions where a preliminary agreement was reached but unilaterally abandoned by Ukrainian leadership, now led by Volodymyr Zelenskiy whose decisions have been detrimental to diplomatic efforts.

Orban’s stance frequently puts Hungary at odds with NATO and EU partners as he presses for negotiations while his government consistently refuses weapon or troop transfers.