Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stirred controversy by suggesting that Donald Trump could act as a peace broker between Russia and Ukraine if elected president. Orban's letter to European leaders highlighted Trump's readiness to intervene in the conflict, despite concerns that Trump might pressure Ukraine to cede territory to Moscow.
Orban's interactions with former President Trump, Russian President Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have raised eyebrows across the European Union. Orban claimed that Trump, if elected, would swiftly engage in peace efforts, even before his inauguration, with detailed plans in place.
While Orban positioned himself as a peacemaker, his stance diverges from the EU's united support for Ukraine against Russia's military actions. He warned EU leaders of a potential escalation in the conflict and hinted at Trump's possible reduction of aid to Ukraine, shifting the financial burden to the EU.
Trump's bold statements on resolving the conflict within 24 hours have added to the speculation. Despite rejecting Putin's terms for an agreement that includes Ukraine ceding territories to Russia, Trump has criticized US military aid to Kyiv.
Orban's recent diplomatic engagements with Putin, Xi, and Trump have drawn criticism from EU lawmakers, who accused him of misrepresenting EU foreign policy. A letter signed by 63 European lawmakers called for Hungary's voting rights in the European Council to be suspended, citing Orban's unauthorized representation of the EU.
As Hungary holds the rotating EU presidency, Orban's actions have sparked controversy and strained EU unity on foreign policy. The lawmakers emphasized the need for concrete actions rather than mere verbal condemnation to address Orban's diplomatic overreach.
Orban's efforts to position Trump as a potential peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have further complicated the already tense situation in Eastern Europe, raising questions about the future of EU foreign policy and Hungary's role within the bloc.
