Orbán Claims Russia is Rational While West is Losing Power

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a controversial speech on July 27, asserting that Russia's leadership is "hyper rational" and predicting that Ukraine will never achieve its aspirations of joining the European Union or NATO. Speaking at a festival in Baile Tusnad, Romania, Orbán emphasized a global power shift from the "irrational" West towards Asia and Russia, identifying countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia as future dominant powers. He criticized Western policies for pushing Russia closer to these emerging powers. Orbán, who has been in power since 2010 and currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has taken a divergent stance from other EU leaders by advocating for improved relations with both Beijing and Moscow. His recent surprise visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing for discussions on the Ukraine conflict have drawn criticism from some EU officials. He characterized Russia's approach to international relations as rational and adaptable, particularly in response to Western sanctions imposed after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. In a striking remark, Orbán noted that Russia's influence has grown globally, particularly through its stance against LGBTQ+ rights, which he described as a significant aspect of its "soft power." He further claimed that the EU lacks the financial resources to support Ukraine's membership ambitions, suggesting that the bloc should transition from a political to an economic and defense-focused entity. Despite the EU's recent initiation of membership talks with Ukraine, Orbán's comments underscore the complexities and challenges that lie ahead for the country in its pursuit of EU and NATO integration.