In a recent statement, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed his strong objections to the idea of Ukraine being invited to begin membership negotiations with the European Union (EU). Speaking at a biannual congress for his party, Orbán emphasized that Ukraine is currently "light years away" from being considered for EU membership.

Orbán's comments were reported by The Associated Press, where he stated that his government will actively oppose upcoming talks scheduled for December regarding Ukraine's potential membership. He criticized what he described as a "mistaken promise" to initiate negotiations with Ukraine, highlighting the considerable differences between the country's current situation and the standards set by the EU.

This is not the first time Orbán has signaled his discontent with Ukraine. In the past, he has threatened to withdraw support for the country due to its treatment of ethnic Hungarians and its ongoing conflict with Russia. In September, he protested a 2017 law that limited the rights of Hungarians in Ukraine to speak their own language, asserting that Hungary would not stand by Ukraine in international matters until the previous laws were restored.

During his address, Orbán stressed that Hungary is actively working towards peace in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. However, he expressed dismay at the continuing hostilities and the toll they have taken on innocent lives. Orbán urged diplomats to regain control of the situation, emphasizing that waiting in vain for the return of loved ones has become an unfortunate reality for many families affected by the war.

It is worth noting that Orbán's stance on Ukraine aligns with his reputation as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's few allies within the EU. He has consistently argued against engaging in EU membership negotiations with Ukraine while the country remains embroiled in a conflict. The Hungarian Prime Minister believes that the EU should prioritize resolution of the war before considering any further integration of Ukraine into the union.

As December's talks draw near, it remains to be seen how Orbán's opposition will impact the discussions surrounding Ukraine's potential EU membership.