Ukraine calls Orbán Russia's most valuable 'frozen asset in Europe'

"Russia's most valuable frozen asset in Europe," Sybiha wrote, commenting on Orbán's position.

Orbán sharply criticized Brussels' actions, which he says violate European law "in broad daylight."

He emphasized that Hungary will not participate in what he called Brussels' "twisted scheme" and described the confiscation of €135 billion in frozen Russian assets by EU member states to support Ukraine as "a declaration of war."

Frozen Russian assets in Europe have become a key issue since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Despite pressure from Brussels, Hungary has traditionally taken a confrontational position, refusing to agree to compulsory mechanisms for distributing funds or controlling the assets.

After the European Commission decided to hold a vote on banning Russia from returning frozen assets, Orbán reacted strongly, calling Brussels' actions a dictatorship.

Orbán's reaction is clearer in context. On December 11, ambassadors of European countries approved a change in the rules that makes it easier to extend the freezing of Russian assets, removing the need for full unanimity among member states.

As a result, Hungary and Slovakia can no longer block the continuation of sanctions or leverage the threat of unfreezing Russian assets. This change likely triggered Orbán's strong response.

Additionally, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he will not support the European Commission's proposal to provide Ukraine with a reparations loan from frozen Russian assets if the funds are intended for defense purposes.