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US Vice President JD Vance to Visit Hungary Ahead of Tight Election
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US Vice President JD Vance is planning a visit to Hungary in the coming days to demonstrate support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the April election, according to Reuters on March 18, citing sources.
Orbán, who has led Hungary for more than 15 years, is now facing one of the toughest electoral tests of his tenure. According to recent polls, his ruling Fidesz party trails the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, by around 14 percentage points.
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The planned trip would mark a continuation of active contacts between the Trump administration and Hungary’s leadership. It follows a February visit to Budapest by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The exact timing of the visit remains unclear, and sources warn that plans could change. They also note that the schedule could shift due to the tense international situation, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Senior US officials may remain in Washington as a result, and President Donald Trump has already said he is delaying a planned trip to China because of the situation.
Orban is one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe but has faced frequent disagreements with the EU on various issues. These include Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Contrary to the stance in Brussels, he maintains friendly ties with Moscow and refuses to provide weapons to Ukraine. He has also stated that Kyiv can never join the EU. Last month, Trump supported Orban in a social media post, calling him a “really strong and powerful leader.”
Many on the American far-right view Orban as a model for strict immigration policies and Christian conservatism. Trump has expressed support for several conservative leaders globally, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi.
During his own trip to Hungary, Rubio stated that Orban’s leadership is “crucial for US interests.” However, he suggested that maintaining close ties depends on Orban winning the election. He also noted that Washington would be ready to help Budapest financially if necessary.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that Russia’s peace settlement demands were excessive because Moscow perceived itself as victorious in its war against Ukraine.
Vance explained that the White House had anticipated an unreasonable initial offer but warned that the United States would walk away from mediation if Russia failed to negotiate in good faith.
He emphasized that while the US wanted Ukraine to remain a sovereign country, Russia could not expect to be given territories it had not yet conquered.
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