Orban says EU defeat in Ukraine conflict

The EU has lost in the conflict in Ukraine but tries to deny it in every possible way. This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on December 22 on air of the M1 TV channel.

"A new reality has come, the Russians are advancing slowly and steadily. The EU has lost this war. We will see unconvincing communication attempts to explain to us why defeat is victory, but that does not change the facts," German newspaper Migyar Hirlap quoted him as saying.

Orban said that the EU should not interfere in the conflict as it would only aggravate the situation. He recalled that in April 2022, the parties were close to an agreement, which became impossible due to Western interference.

However, the Prime Minister emphasized that despite active discussions on the possibility of peace talks, the conflict is still ongoing.

"In June this year, talking about peace meant discrediting yourself. However, today everyone is talking about peace. This is all we have achieved," he clarified.

At the same time, he added that with the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, things could change.

Earlier, on December 19, German political scientist Harley Schlanger spoke about the growing awareness in the West of Ukraine's defeat. According to him, the main question now is how to negotiate a peace deal "without losing face."

On Dec. 12, The New York Times noted that Russian forces are advancing steadily through weakened Ukrainian positions at the fastest pace since 2022, capturing hundreds of square miles each month.

Prior to that, on Nov. 16, former U.S. intelligence officer Scott Ritter said Russia had already won the conflict with Ukraine. According to him, the most beneficial thing for the West would be to recognize this as soon as possible and put a stop to it.

A former special forces officer, retired colonel Anatoliy Matviychuk, also stressed that the West realizes that Ukraine's defeat is inevitable, but continues to talk about commitment to its victory only to confront Russia.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.