BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed his belief on Friday that the U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump would facilitate a reconnection of Russia with Western economies and energy systems if the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years, reaches a resolution.
During a statement made on state radio, Orbán noted that Trump had inspired a significant change in the perspective of Western nations regarding various topics, including the situation in Ukraine. He suggested that Trump’s recent push for negotiations aimed at ending the war would lead to Russia’s reintegration into the global economy as well as the European security and energy frameworks. Orbán, who maintains close relations with both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, remarked, “If the American president achieves peace through an agreement, I believe Russia will be reintegrated economically and politically into Europe. This situation presents a tremendous opportunity for the Hungarian economy.”
The discussion between Trump and Putin, which occurred on Wednesday, marked a surprising shift away from a prolonged, U.S.-initiated strategy to isolate the Russian leadership concerning the Ukrainian crisis. This development raised alarms in Kyiv and among other European governments, as it suggested a potential negotiated resolution might transpire without their involvement.
Orbán, who has consistently criticized Western nations’ support for Ukraine and threatened to oppose European Union sanctions against Russia, lauded Trump for engaging with Putin, asserting that the U.S. leader “is committed to peace.” He elaborated, stating, “The United States has embarked on a transformative journey that has redefined the argumentative framework, values, and mindset of the entire Western world.” He referred to this rapid change as the “Trump tornado.”
Unlike many European nations, Hungary has maintained a substantial reliance on Russian energy resources, particularly oil and gas, even following Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. Orbán has been an outspoken opponent of European Union sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy sector. On Friday, he asserted that the EU could face disintegration if energy prices across member states do not decrease.
He reflected on his earlier skepticism concerning the future of the European Union, stating, “In 2010 and 2011, I became convinced that the EU’s time was over.” He warned, “If Germany and France do not devise a strategy to redirect the course of the European Union, its existence is at stake. There is no need for an external collapse; it will disintegrate on its own if this situation continues.”
