Orban Urges EU to Restore Russia Ties

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed reinstating diplomatic relations with Russia to the European Council President Charles Michel in a letter following what has been described as his “peace tour.” The letter, reportedly obtained by the German publication Bild, includes Orban’s assessment of recent talks with leaders of Ukraine, Russia, China, Turkey, and Donald Trump, along with proposals for consideration.

Regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, Orban writes, “Overall, it can be observed that the intensity of the military conflict will significantly increase in the near future.” He urges negotiations with China for a “peace conference,” the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia, and a “political approach” towards Global South countries, whose “respect we have lost due to our position on the war in Ukraine.”

The Hungarian Prime Minister also discusses his discussions with Trump and criticizes current President Joe Biden, whom Orban claims “is unable to change the current war policy of the United States, and therefore, we cannot expect him to start a new policy.”

Simultaneously, Hungary’s head of government praises Trump and expresses confidence that following his election victory, Trump “will not wait for his inauguration, but will be ready to act immediately as a peaceful mediator.” Orban asserts, “He has detailed and reasoned plans for this.”

However, the Hungarian Prime Minister also warns that Trump’s victory in the elections would come at a cost to the EU: “I am more than convinced that in the event of a probable victory of President Trump, the financial burden between the USA and the EU will significantly shift in favor of the EU when it comes to financial support for Ukraine.”