Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stirred controversy among EU leaders with a letter proposing a radical shift in the bloc’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the letter, addressed to European Council President Charles Michel and shared with all EU leaders, Orbán claims that former US President Donald Trump has ‘detailed and well-founded plans’ to end the war in Ukraine and would be ready to act as a peace mediator immediately if re-elected.Orbán’s letter follows a series of high-profile meetings, including discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russian President Putin, Chinese leaders, and Trump himself. The Hungarian Prime Minister proposes several controversial measures, including re-establishing direct diplomatic ties with Russia, initiating high-level talks with China about a potential peace conference, and launching a coordinated political offensive towards the global South.These proposals have met with significant backlash from other EU leaders. Many view Orbán’s actions as undermining European support for Ukraine and potentially lobbying on Moscow’s behalf. In response, several EU foreign affairs ministers are planning to boycott a summit hosted by Orbán in Budapest next month.Orbán’s letter also warns of an imminent escalation in the military conflict. He argues that the EU, US, and China are the only global actors capable of influencing the situation, and criticizes the EU’s current strategy as a ‘simple replica of US policy’.The Hungarian leader’s approach has drawn criticism not only from EU counterparts but also from within the European Parliament. Sixty-three lawmakers have asked the EU to withdraw Hungary’s voting rights in the bloc, citing Orbán’s ‘rogue diplomacy’ on the war in Ukraine.As tensions rise, EU finance ministers have scolded Hungary for prioritizing its own interests over Ukraine’s during its presidency of the bloc. The controversy highlights the growing divide within the EU over how to approach the ongoing conflict and maintain support for Ukraine.
Key points
- Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán claims Donald Trump has plans to end the Ukraine war if re-elected.
- Orbán proposes re-establishing diplomatic ties with Russia and initiating talks with China.
- EU leaders criticize Orbán’s approach, viewing it as undermining support for Ukraine.
- Some EU ministers plan to boycott a summit hosted by Hungary in response to Orbán’s actions.
Contradictions👾While Orbán claims Trump has ‘detailed and well-founded plans’ for peace, other sources suggest Trump’s foreign policy will play a small role in his campaign.
