Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sent a letter to EU leaders advocating for Donald Trump’s comprehensive plans to broker peace in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As the current president of the European Union, Orban emphasized Trump’s readiness to act immediately upon election victory, asserting that the former president’s proposals are both detailed and viable.
The letter, addressed to European Council President Charles Michel and distributed to all EU leaders, follows Orban’s meetings with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Orban stated, “Shortly after his election victory, [Trump] will be ready to act as a peace broker immediately.”
This endorsement comes after Orban’s recent meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where he was convinced of Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict. The Hungarian Prime Minister’s letter highlights Trump’s detailed strategies, suggesting they are more than mere campaign rhetoric.
Orban’s stance has heightened tensions within the EU, especially among leaders who oppose Hungary’s leadership. Despite calls for boycotts of Hungary’s EU presidency meetings, Orban remains firm in his push for a diplomatic solution.
The Guardian reported that Orban’s letter suggested a Trump victory would necessitate reopening diplomatic channels with Russia and initiating high-level talks with China. Orban warned that if Trump wins, the financial responsibility for supporting Ukraine would shift more heavily onto the EU.
“I am more than convinced that in the likely outcome of the victory of President Trump, the proportion of the financial burden between the US and the EU will significantly change to the EU’s disadvantage when it comes to the financial support of Ukraine,” Orban wrote.
Orban also shared insights from his recent discussions with Putin, Xi, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He noted a consensus that the conflict’s intensity is likely to escalate soon.
In reaction to the letter, the European Commission president’s spokesperson announced that the EU Commission would be represented only by senior civil servants at meetings called by Orban. Additionally, several EU member states have opted to send lower-level officials to EU events in Hungary.
Orban’s political director, Balázs Orban, reiterated the prime minister’s message on social media, advocating for a European strategy focused on ceasefire and peace negotiations rather than following the US’s pro-war policies. He emphasized using Hungary’s EU presidency to create conditions for peace talks.
Orban’s letter underscores his commitment to pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict through Trump’s proposed plans, despite significant opposition within the EU.
