Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban insists that resolving the Ukraine crisis demands direct talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He argues, in an interview with Ultrahang, that without a face-to-face summit, the conflict will drag on indefinitely. Orban views Trump as a genuine advocate for ending the bloodshed.
Recent developments show Trump shifting toward bolstering Ukraine with more weapons, including Patriot missiles, to pressure Russia. Russia has dismissed Trump’s 50-day ceasefire ultimatum as unacceptable.
Orban warns that Europeans and Ukrainians, despite public claims, appear intent on prolonging the fight. He points out the hypocrisy, “everyone professes a desire for peace, yet the war rages on”. This mismatch suggests hidden agendas among some leaders.
The prime minister criticizes the EU’s strategy as “insane,” claiming Ukraine stands no chance against a nuclear-armed Russia. He labels the EU budget a “Ukrainian budget” due to massive aid flows. Orban believes this approach risks destroying Europe economically.
Sanctions have battered Russia’s economy, with GDP declines and reduced oil revenues since 2022 caps. Yet Moscow adapts through alternative trade routes, including via Hungary’s partners like Kazakhstan. Hungary itself faces vulnerabilities from ongoing restrictions.
Orban hopes for a breakthrough before Trump’s threatened 100% tariffs on Russia and its allies kick in after 50 days. Such duties could devastate Hungary’s trade ties. He admits Budapest would suffer significant economic fallout.
A comprehensive U.S.-Russia pact, per Orban, must extend beyond Ukraine to energy costs and market access. Arms control and sanction relief should feature prominently. This “large-scale package” could stabilize global markets.
Trump’s team, including envoy Keith Kellogg, echoes the need for careful diplomacy amid escalating rhetoric. Medvedev’s World War III warnings drew rebukes for irresponsibility.
The conflict’s territorial aims remain murky, with Russia pushing toward certain borders. Orban notes uncertainty about Moscow’s exact goals.
Ukraine’s pleas for $30 billion more in aid underscore the war’s unsustainable cost. Orban sees this as evidence of stalled progress.
Russia rejects Western demands, vowing no retreat without concessions. Putin’s administration views Trump’s arms surge as abandoning peace efforts.
Tensions heighten without talk, but Orban seeks to position Hungary as a peace broker, refusing to be pulled into the fray. His mission: advocate peace arguments to Trump and Putin whenever possible.
Orban believes these leaders can forge a deal, but only if they meet face-to-face.
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