Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credit: ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP 21:03 p.m., December 21, 2023

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday again described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a "military operation", echoing the formula used by Moscow. Earlier this month, he used his veto power within the EU to block €50 billion in EU aid to Kyiv.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday again described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "military operation", echoing the formula used by the Kremlin. "This is a military operation as long as there is no declaration of war between the two countries," the nationalist leader said at his annual press conference.

"When the Russians declare war on Ukraine, then it will be war," he added. "Strictly speaking, let us rejoice as long as there is no war. If there's a war, there's a general mobilization and I wouldn't wish that on anyone." Viktor Orban was asked why he called the war a "military operation" during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing in October.

A right of veto to block EU aid

Viktor Orban is the only European leader to have maintained close ties with the Kremlin in the wake of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The latter met Vladimir Putin in Beijing on 17 October to discuss energy cooperation. Earlier this month, the Hungarian prime minister used his veto power within the EU to block €50 billion in EU aid to Kyiv.

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