Hungarian PM Viktor Orban Urges EU to Negotiate with Russia, Thanks Trump

Budapest, Hungary – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday for what he described as Trump’s “brave” stance for peace amid escalating tensions in Ukraine. Orban’s comments came in the wake of a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a recent meeting at the White House.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Orban stated, “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!” This statement reflects Orban’s long-standing criticism of Western military aid to Ukraine and his advocacy for direct negotiations with Russia.

The backdrop to Orban’s remarks is a growing rift within the European Union regarding its approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orban has urged the EU to initiate direct discussions with Russia to seek a ceasefire, arguing that the bloc’s current strategy is ineffective. He emphasized that “strategic differences in our approach to Ukraine cannot be bridged,” suggesting that the EU’s plans for a joint declaration at an upcoming extraordinary summit should be reconsidered.

Orban’s alignment with Trump is notable, especially as the U.S. has begun talks with Russia regarding the conflict without the involvement of Kyiv or EU representatives. The Hungarian Prime Minister’s call for the EU to follow the U.S. example underscores his belief that direct negotiations are essential for achieving sustainable peace in Ukraine.

In the comments section of Orban’s post, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk also expressed support for the Hungarian leader, further amplifying the message of seeking peace through dialogue rather than military confrontation.

The European Council has yet to respond to Orban’s request for a shift in strategy, but the Hungarian Prime Minister’s remarks highlight a growing divide within the EU regarding how to handle the ongoing crisis. As tensions continue to rise, Orban’s call for peace and direct negotiations with Russia may resonate with other leaders who share his concerns about the current trajectory of the conflict.

As the situation evolves, the implications of Orban’s support for Trump and his push for a new approach to the Ukraine crisis will be closely monitored by both European and American policymakers.

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