Viktor Orbán Stirs Controversy with Claims of Donald Trump's Peace Plans for Russia and Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sparked tensions within the European Union by claiming that US presidential candidate Donald Trump has well-founded plans for peace between Russia and Ukraine. In a letter addressed to the European Council, Orbán stated that Trump was prepared to act as a peace broker immediately after his potential election victory. He also suggested that a Trump victory would result in a financial burden shift to the EU's disadvantage in supporting Ukraine's war effort. Orbán's letter came after the European Commission decided to boycott meetings organized by Hungary as part of its EU presidency, citing recent developments. The Hungarian prime minister's diplomatic visits to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing, Azerbaijan, and the US have drawn criticism from other EU leaders, with Slovakia being the only member state not openly opposing Hungary's actions. Orbán's political director, Balázs Orbán, reiterated the message in the letter, advocating for a sovereign and independent strategy focused on peace negotiations rather than following the US's pro-war policy. Balázs Orbán also expressed support for JD Vance, Trump's potential running mate and a vocal opponent of aid to Ukraine. The Orbán administration believes that Europe should use Hungary's EU presidency to establish conditions for peace negotiations. This stance has raised concerns in EU capitals, with the European Council president, Charles Michel, previously condemning Hungary's attempts to negotiate with Russia. Despite the EU presidency having no mandate for such engagements, Orbán's insistence on pursuing peace plans involving Trump has created a rift within the EU.
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