Vladimir Putin sidekick Orban brands Ukraine's conflict a 'lost war' amid ominous warning

Viktor Orban, Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister and Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the EU, has bullishly suggested the United States is poised to pull the plug on military support for Ukraine.

Speaking at a summit of European Union leaders on November 8, Mr Orban insisted European nations would not be able to finance a war which he claimed had already been "lost".

The timing of his words, just three days after Donald Trump's victory in Tuesday's US Presidential election, are likely to be an attempt to turn up the heat on Brussels, given the 78-year-old's pledge to end the war by negotiating with Putin.

And they came in sharp contrast to the stance adopted by Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who yesterday reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Britain's support for his country was "ironclad".

Mr Orban, speaking to reporters today, predicted: "The Americans will quit this war, first of all they will not encourage the war."

"Europe cannot finance this war alone. Some still want to continue sending enormous amounts of money into this lost war but the number of those who remain silent.

"And those who cautiously argue that we should adjust to the new situation, is growing."

He further appeared to try and pin the blame for the ongoing conflict on current US President Joe Biden, adding: "If Donald Trump had won in 2020 in the United States, these two nightmarish years wouldn't have happened; there wouldn't have been a war."

Mr Trump and Mr Orban also enjoy a friendly relationship, with the US President-elect praising the Fidesz leader during the course of his campaign, which has seen him win a second, non-consecutive term in office.

Mr Orban's comments reflect his complex relationship with both the West and Russia.

Hungary is a NATO member, yet Orban has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Putin, being one of the few European leaders to consistently engage with the Kremlin throughout the Ukraine crisis.

His government has frequently challenged EU policy by resisting sanctions against Russia and continuing to purchase Russian gas, positioning Mr Orban as an outlier within the bloc.

His latest statements also underline his support for the incoming Trump administration, which he believes would realign US foreign policy on a more isolationist path.

Mr Trump has previously criticised the Biden administration's commitment to funding Ukraine's defence, suggesting that European countries should take on a greater share of the burden.

While Mr Trump has not explicitly said he would end support for Ukraine, his previous administration's foreign policy decisions indicate a strong focus on limiting US involvement in foreign conflicts and reassessing alliances.

If the US were to significantly reduce or cut its support to Ukraine, it would likely be a game-changer for the war.

So far, Washington has provided billions of dollars in military aid, equipment, and intelligence that have bolstered Ukraine's resistance against Russian advances.

Analysts suggest that a substantial reduction in support could weaken Ukraine's position and potentially force it to enter negotiations under Russian terms, which would likely be favourable to Putin.

Mr Orban's comments also underscore the deep divisions within Europe over how to address the Ukraine conflict.

As the war grinds on, Hungary's position, largely backed by Mr Orban's populist rhetoric, continues to challenge Western unity, even as other European leaders work to maintain strong support for Kyiv.

Speaking yesterday, Sir Keir described UK support as "ironclad" and unwavering.

He added: "I strongly believe that not only should it be unwavering, but we need to step up, and I was very pleased to be able to say that today. It's very important that we see this through. It's very important that we stand with you."

The Ukrainian leader replied: "We're very thankful. We're very proud that we have such bilateral relations between our nations. Thank you for sticking with us all through this tough period."