Europe is on the verge of "drifting into war," Orban said. Europe "is already at an indirect war with Russia." There is only one possibility: "We have to stay out of the war," he said. "It won't be easy as a NATO and EU member, because everyone else there is for the war."

EU and NATO member Hungary is pursuing its own strategy with regard to the Russian war of aggression in neighboring Ukraine. Prime Minister Orban condemned the Russian aggression without criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin by name. Orban, who had close ties with Putin before the war, has refused to supply arms to Ukraine and has criticized EU sanctions against Russia. He calls for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.

Orban has ruled Hungary since 2010. Since then, he has repeatedly clashed with Brussels, most recently over anti-corruption reforms.