Orbán Condemns EU’s Indefinite Freeze on Russian Assets as Declaration of War

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has vehemently denounced the European Union’s decision to indefinitely immobilize approximately €210 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets, labeling the move a blatant violation of EU law and tantamount to a declaration of war against Russia.

In a video statement posted on December 13, 2025, Orbán accused Brussels of “bypassing Hungary and raping European law in broad daylight” by eliminating the previous requirement for unanimous renewal of sanctions every six months. This change effectively neutralizes potential vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia—both governments maintaining relatively cordial ties with Moscow—ensuring the assets remain frozen until Russia ends its aggression in Ukraine and pays reparations.

“History shows that seizing €200–300 billion from a country never goes unanswered,” Orbán warned, echoing his earlier remarks that such confiscation would provoke inevitable retaliation. He further argued that the policy undermines trust in the euro and escalates the conflict, insisting Hungary “will not play along in this twisted Brusselian scheme” and calling instead for peace negotiations.

The EU’s action, approved on December 12, 2025, paves the way for a proposed reparations loan of up to €165 billion to Ukraine for 2026–2027, backed by future profits from the immobilized assets (primarily held at Belgium’s Euroclear depository). Ukraine would repay the loan only upon receiving actual reparations from Russia, rendering it effectively a grant. EU leaders are set to finalize details at a summit on December 18–19.

Critics like Orbán view this as an unlawful escalation, while proponents, including European Commission officials, frame it as a legitimate measure to counter Russia’s war costs and sustain Ukraine’s defense and economy. Russia has responded aggressively, with its central bank filing a lawsuit against Euroclear and vowing to challenge any use of the funds through all legal means.