Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently sparked controversy by endorsing former President Donald Trump and criticizing current US policies, especially regarding Ukraine. Orbán, known for his support of Russia and his strong leadership style, expressed doubts about American strategies in the region and praised Trump for his perceived peaceful approach during his presidency.
Orbán’s remarks come amid tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from European leaders. He defended his engagement with Putin as necessary for seeking peace, despite acknowledging Russia’s role in starting the conflict.
Critics within Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, rebuked Orbán for his approach, arguing it undermines EU unity and encourages Russian aggression. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas dismissed Orbán’s actions as not representing EU consensus.
Orbán emphasized the need for Europe to pursue an independent foreign policy separate from American influence and criticized Europe for following US policies instead of developing its own strategic initiatives.
Regarding the upcoming US presidential election, Orbán suggested Trump could win again and hinted that a change in leadership might benefit global stability. He contrasted Trump’s international approach favorably against what he sees as a more aggressive stance under President Joe Biden.
Looking ahead, Orbán warned of escalating conflict in Ukraine if diplomatic efforts fail soon, predicting a more intense phase in the coming months as both Russia and Ukraine remain entrenched.
Viktor Orbán’s recent statements highlight his support for Trump and criticism of current US and European policies on Ukraine and Russia. His actions have strained EU relations and underscored divisions over how best to address the Ukraine conflict.
