Orban says Europe needs a 'rethink' on Ukraine

EU leaders have gathered in Budapest for an informal summit, where heads of government of the member states and EU institution leaders have been discussing the results of the U.S. Presidential election and what Donald Trump's return means for Europe.

Budapest is the venue because Hungary holds the EU's rotating presidency. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been open about how he sees the future of EU support for Ukraine.

"The Americans will quit this war; first of all, they will not encourage the war," said Orban, adding: "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."

Along with the United States, Europe is Kyiv's most prominent backer, in terms of finance and weaponry. In the wake of Trump's victory this week, some EU leaders have said they will continue to support Ukraine and should be prepared to do more if the United States looks to wind down the aid Washington provided under the Biden administration.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was speaking to journalists with his own political storm raging at home as the ruling three-party coalition in Germany fell apart this week. Scholz said that Berlin continues to support Kyiv, saying "Russia has invaded Ukraine and is continuing this war with unchanged brutality." 

Perhaps with one eye on the U.S. not being as "hands-on" in Ukraine, the Chancellor also said that European countries need to contribute. "One question is quite clear," he insisted. "Together as the European Union, as Europeans, we must do what is necessary for our security. This will be particularly successful if everyone makes their contribution."

Orban and Slovakian PM Robert Fico were the only two leaders at the summit to openly call for a change in the EU's strategy in Ukraine following Trump's election. Fico has stated that migration is a more pressing concern for Slovakia than Ukraine, posting on social media: "I emphasized that if we are to have money for Ukraine, we must have money for problems that threaten the EU significantly more."