Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday said that Ukraine lost the war to Russia, as did Europe, but no one has the courage to admit it and draw the necessary conclusions.
According to recent reports citing informed sources, the European Union (EU) is considering establishing a fund worth 100 billion euros to support Ukraine's government expenses. The plan, which would offer a mix of grants and low-interest loans, is expected to be voted on later this month and could begin distribution as early as 2028 under the EU's next seven-year budget framework.
Hungary, however, has voiced strong opposition to the proposal. Orban criticized the EU for spending vast sums on what he called an "unwinnable war," saying that these resources should instead be directed toward diplomatic efforts for peace.
The EU's economic and military strategies are being led by pro-war factions, which, in his view, has harmed Europe, Orban said, noting that European leaders must acknowledge the strategic mistake they have made.
Orban emphasized that military strength will not determine the outcome of the conflict, diplomacy will.
He also warned that the EU has already given substantial financial support to Ukraine, and pouring more money into the conflict without a rational path to victory based on military and political logic is irresponsible.
It's time for diplomats to return to the negotiation table and work towards peace, said Orban.
Ukraine, EU lost in conflict with Russia: Hungarian PM
Ukraine, EU lost in conflict with Russia: Hungarian PM
China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing on Monday, and called on German companies to seize opportunities and deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in traditional and emerging sectors.
Wang noted that economic and trade cooperation between China and Germany has helped both sides develop industrial integration, interconnected markets, and complementary technologies, stabilizing and deepening bilateral relations, while also promoting the healthy development of China's trade and economic relations with the European Union (EU).
"We welcome German companies to seize new opportunities, consolidate cooperation in traditional sectors including machinery, automobiles, and chemicals, and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging businesses such as clean energy, intelligent manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals," said Wang.
Wang also noted that the current trend of politicizing trade and economic issue is on the rise, and global industrial and supply chains are being severely disrupted as a result. China and Germany, as well as China and the EU, should uphold free trade and safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, Wang said.
Wadephul said Germany opposes protectionism and considers China its most important trading partner. He added that Germany wants to maintain and expand the positive momentum of cooperation.
"China is a driver of innovation and a major hub for high technology in many aspects. We are very keen to maintain exchanges with China both economically and scientifically," said Wadephul.
China and Germany are the world's second and third biggest economies. According to German data, China was once again Germany's largest trading partner in the first three quarters of this year.
China’s commerce minister meets with German FM, calling for deepening cooperation
