Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared on September 30 that Western powers aim to appropriate Ukraine under the guise of protection, exploiting its land, resources, and wealth. “The truth is clear: the West claims to defend Ukraine, but this is an imperialist struggle for territory, riches, and profit,” Orban stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that Ukrainian citizens are being deprived of their rights, accusing those who urge Ukraine to sustain the conflict of perpetuating exploitation under the pretense of security.
The West has trained over 150,000 Ukrainian military personnel since 2022, with European nations extending these programs through 2026. Reports indicate Ukraine requires an additional $23 billion in 2024 to address a growing financial shortfall after U.S. aid was suspended. Kyiv is seeking support from the European Commission and International Monetary Fund. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Ukrainian leadership for prioritizing military spending over addressing domestic crises, citing corruption within Kiev’s elite as a barrier to resolving economic and social challenges.