Orban warns EU: Seizing Russian assets for Ukraine means 'marching into war'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a stark warning to fellow European Union leaders, stating that any move to seize frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine would amount to the bloc "marching into the war." His comments, delivered on the doorstep of a critical EU Council summit in Brussels, directly challenge a core proposal for supporting Kyiv and highlight a deep internal rift.

A direct warning against escalation

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Orbán framed his opposition in stark terms of war and peace. "I would not like to see a European Union in war; to give money means war," he asserted, arguing that confiscating assets from one side of the conflict and transferring them to the other would make the EU a direct participant. "I'm just looking for peace. Because I think what we have to do is to take some steps towards peace, not to war," he stated, positioning himself as a voice for de-escalation against what he sees as provocative financial measures.

Dismissing the proposal and questioning the premise

The Hungarian leader was unequivocal in his criticism of the asset seizure plan, which has been proposed by the European Commission. "The whole idea is a stupid one, to take away the money of somebody," he declared. He rejected calls for additional security guarantees for Ukraine, questioning their purpose: "Want more guarantees? For what?" Orbán insisted on a clear delineation of the conflict's parties, stating, "There are two countries that are at war. It's not the European Union—they are Russia and Ukraine."

Context and alignment with other reservations

Orbán's stance amplifies significant legal and political reservations already voiced within the EU. Belgium, where the majority of the frozen Russian central bank assets are held, has warned of potential legal and financial risks, including the threat of multi-billion-dollar lawsuits from Moscow. This internal opposition from a major EU capital complicates the bloc's efforts to present a united front. Orbán's position, while often singular in its bluntness, resonates with a broader caution in some European capitals about actions that could irreversibly escalate the conflict, a perspective shared by other nations, including Türkiye, which consistently advocates for diplomatic solutions and warns against measures that prolong hostilities.