Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that Hungary will host a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to Orban, this decision stems from Hungary’s commitment to peace, in contrast to the EU’s so-called warmongering policies. He stated that Hungary, unlike most of its EU counterparts, did not sever diplomatic ties with Russia following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, and continues to support diplomatic resolutions rather than confrontational approaches.
Orban highlighted the significance of Hungary’s role in the geopolitical landscape, asserting that it is the only country in Europe where a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict is possible. He criticized the EU for isolating itself through its policies, arguing that continued support for Ukraine risks direct confrontation with Russia. This stance has marked Orban as a key figure in Europe advocating for a different approach to Russia, which has long been a point of contention within the EU.
The summit is expected to take place within two weeks, as Trump has stated. Putin’s aide, Yury Ushakov, confirmed preparations are underway, while Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that the groundwork for the summit is in full swing. The choice of Budapest as the venue underscores Hungary’s unique position in the ongoing geopolitical discourse, with Orban’s vision of peace and dialogue standing in stark contrast to the broader EU narrative.