BUDAPEST – Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán celebrated the announcement of upcoming talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which are slated to take place in Budapest. This meeting is expected to focus on discussions aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed that the meeting would follow his discussion with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and suggested it could occur in a couple of weeks.
Orbán, a close ally of Trump and a figure considered to have strong ties with Putin in the European Union, lauded Hungary’s position as host of the meetings, asserting that the nation’s stance against Western military and financial support for Ukraine has made it a suitable venue for such talks. “Budapest is essentially the only place in Europe today where such a meeting could be held, primarily because Hungary is almost the only pro-peace country,” Orbán stated. He has been a vocal critic of the widespread Western support for Ukraine, emphasizing his advocacy for peace.
Critics, however, argue that Hungary’s position does not genuinely promote peace, but rather aligns with Russia and undermines European solidarity against Russian aggression. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary has prohibited the supply of weapons to Ukraine and has actively resisted measures that could hinder its reliance on Russian energy.
Political analysts suggest that the Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest without representation from Ukraine or other EU officials may further benefit Putin. Péter Krekó, director of the Political Capital think tank, underscored the significance of the meeting, suggesting it conveys a message of cooperation among leaders who often oppose multilateral agreements.
Furthermore, logistical complications arise from the fact that organizing a meeting with Putin would necessitate navigating the airspace of several NATO countries, even as he is technically allowed in Europe despite pending arrest warrants for war crimes issued by the International Criminal Court.
The choice of Budapest carries historical weight, as it was here that the 1994 Budapest Memorandum was signed, assuring Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for relinquishing its nuclear arsenal. Ukrainian experts, however, draw a parallel between past negotiations and the current talks, cautioning that previous promises have often been disregarded.
Orbán hinted that these negotiations, while not centered on Hungary, could signify a significant political achievement for him, particularly as he prepares for an upcoming election. The prospect of hosting global leaders could bolster his image as a pro-peace figure, adding to his political capital.
The anticipated dialogue represents not just a critical juncture for international relations, but also a strategic moment for Orbán, who seeks to maintain his standing amid challenges ahead.