Hungary Calls for Freeze on Ukraine Payments

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has called on the European Union to immediately suspend financial assistance to the Ukrainian government. In a blistering critique delivered on Thursday, he alleged that a “war mafia” is operating within Kyiv’s leadership.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels ahead of a meeting with EU counterparts, Szijjarto condemned the European Commission’s proposal to allocate further funds to the war-torn nation.

“Insane” to Send More Funds

Szijjarto expressed strong opposition to the European Commission President’s plan to send an additional 100 billion to Ukraine. He argued that instead of approving new packages, the bloc should be freezing payments and demanding full financial transparency.

“There’s a war mafia, a corrupt system working in Ukraine,” Szijjarto stated. “Instead of stopping the payments and demanding for immediate financial clearance, she wants to send another 100 billion to Ukraine. That is insane.”

Corruption Scandal Rocks Kyiv

The Foreign Minister’s comments coincide with a major domestic shake-up in Ukraine. On Wednesday, the Ukrainian parliament dismissed two ministers ensnared in a high-profile corruption probe.

The investigation focuses on an alleged $100 million plot to manipulate contracting at the state nuclear agency. The scandal has stirred fresh anger regarding pervasive graft within the country, with allegations reportedly reaching figures close to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle. Parliament has since called for sweeping measures to restore public faith in the nation’s leadership.

“Time is Not on Ukraine’s Side”

Beyond the financial disputes, Szijjarto offered a grim assessment of the ongoing conflict. He rejected the narrative that a prolonged war benefits Kyiv.

“The time is not on the side of Ukraine,” he warned. “It is an illusion to say that the time is on the side of Ukraine.”

Support for Trump’s Peace Plan

Concluding his remarks, Szijjarto affirmed Hungary’s geopolitical alignment with the United States regarding the conflict. He stated that his country would fully support U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiatives aimed at brokering peace in the region.

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