Weakening Ukraine will heighten the Russian threat to all of Europe — Hungarian MEP

A possible reduction in U.S. military support for Ukraine and pressure on Kyiv to force it into making concessions will not bring lasting peace. They will only strengthen Vladimir Putin’s position and increase the Russian threat to all of Europe. Losing Ukraine as an independent military partner with significant military capabilities and invaluable experience in using drones would seriously weaken European security. The European Union must therefore strengthen its own defense capabilities and continue supporting Ukraine, regardless of political decisions in Washington.

This was stated by Hungarian Member of the European Parliament Klára Dobrev in a written interview with the Guildhall news agency.

— According to the Financial Times, Washington may suspend the PURL mechanism, which allows U.S. weapons to be purchased for Ukraine, unless Kyiv stops striking Russian oil refineries. How do you assess this U.S. policy, and what threats does it pose to Europe’s security?

— If these reports are confirmed, it will be another extremely troubling signal from the Trump administration.

Ukraine is waging a defensive war against Russian aggression, and putting pressure on Kyiv instead of Moscow sends Vladimir Putin an entirely wrong message.

We must make it absolutely clear: Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine has every right under international law to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any peace agreement must be based on these principles, not on rewarding aggression or forcing Ukraine into submission.

Donald Trump must understand that European security cannot be sacrificed for short-term political or economic interests.

Weakening Ukraine will not bring lasting peace. It will only embolden Putin and increase the threat to the rest of Europe.

It is also another reminder that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. We need to strengthen our defense capabilities and build a functioning European pillar within NATO, capable of acting independently if the United States were to withdraw its support.

We also need to expand defense industry production and ensure that Ukraine receives the military and financial assistance it needs, regardless of political developments in Washington.

— If U.S. support is withdrawn and Ukraine is forced to make concessions that violate its sovereignty, will European countries be able to stand up to Russian aggression without Ukraine as an independent military partner, especially given the further reduction in U.S. commitments?

— Ukraine is defending not only its own freedom and independence, but also European security.

Europe has the resources to defend itself, but we must strengthen defense cooperation, expand defense industry production capacity, and build a stronger European pillar within NATO.

Losing Ukraine as an independent military partner with significant military capabilities and invaluable experience in drone warfare would seriously weaken our security and embolden Putin.

We must preserve the transatlantic partnership, but we can no longer allow Europe’s security to depend on the decisions of a single U.S. administration, especially at a time when the U.S. leadership is acting so inconsistently and unpredictably.

Our priority must be to ensure Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty while building a stronger, more united Europe capable of protecting its citizens, its democracy, and its future.

Thank you for your insightful answers and for your time!

Guildhall news agency, exclusive.