Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused the previous US administration, led by former President Joe Biden, of pressuring the European Union to adopt a more confrontational approach against Russia, thereby escalating the Ukraine conflict.
In remarks following a meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House, Orban stated that the EU’s hard line on Russia was a direct result of American influence. Unlike most other EU members, Hungary has consistently opposed aggressive sanctions and military support for Ukraine, favoring a diplomatic resolution instead.
Orban’s claim is supported by Trump, who told reporters that Biden was responsible for driving the war and that he inherited a ‘mess’ from his predecessor. These statements came as Trump attempted to reestablish high-level US-Russian communication since his return to office.
In addition to these political tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has urged the United States to reverse Biden’s policies to achieve global peace. Dmitriev warned that Biden’s mistakes could be corrected, suggesting that the current administration’s policies are not sustainable.
Moscow has repeatedly emphasized its willingness to engage in peace talks if the conflict’s root causes are addressed. However, it has rejected Western demands for a ceasefire along the current front line, insisting that only a lasting settlement can end the war.