Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that if former U.S. President Donald Trump wins back the presidency, he won’t give any money to help Ukraine in its war against Russia, and this will speed up the end of the war. Nationalist Prime Minister Orban, who has long supported his ally’s return to the White House, met with Trump in Florida on March 8, 2024.[i]
In an interview with state television, Orban said, “Trump won’t give a single penny to the Ukraine-Russia War, and that will end the war. It’s clear that Ukraine can’t stand on its own. If Americans and Europeans don’t provide money and weapons, this war will end. If Americans don’t give money, Europeans can’t finance this war on their own, and then the war will end.”[ii]
Since the Russian forces attacked Ukraine in 2022, Orban has refused to send arms to Kyiv and has maintained close economic ties with Moscow. Despite the European Union’s (EU) efforts to isolate Moscow, Orban also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China in October 2023.[iii]
Orban said that after a ceasefire, how the war will be closed with peace talks and how to create a stable and secure Europe is “another matter,” but first, peace needs to be achieved, and “Trump has the tools for that.”[iv]
Trump’s campaign statement did not mention Ukraine, and it was noted that the two discussed issues affecting both countries, including border security. European leaders have long worried that Trump’s presidency would mean reduced U.S. support for both Ukraine and the NATO transatlantic military alliance.[v]
These developments reflect Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance on not helping Ukraine and maintaining close relations with Russia if former U.S. leader Donald Trump becomes president again. This is highly significant for international relations and regional security. First, Orban’s support for Trump’s presidency and decision not to help Ukraine reflect Hungary’s priorities and foreign policy goals. Orban’s support for Trump’s presidency highlights the dynamics of Hungary’s relationship with the U.S. and the importance of NATO alliance.
Also, Orban’s statement about not providing financial support for the Ukraine-Russia War could affect regional security and Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. This stance might cause debates within the EU since it doesn’t align with the EU’s support for Ukraine. Furthermore, Orban’s decision to maintain close relations with Russia could complicate the EU’s sanctions against Russia and lead to divisions in the EU’s foreign policy stance.
Orban’s decision not to provide financial support for the Ukraine-Russia war could affect stability and security in the region. International financial and military support is crucial for ending Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Orban’s stance might weaken Ukraine’s defense capacity and increase Russia’s influence in the region. This could impact regional security and Europe’s energy security.
Orban’s position on the Ukraine-Russia War could also influence the EU’s foreign policy. EU members like Hungary maintaining close relations with Russia could make it harder for the EU to have a united and effective policy towards Russia. This situation could lead to increased divisions in the EU’s foreign policy and boost Russia’s influence within the EU.
Supporting Trump’s presidency and not helping Ukraine could also affect the U.S. influence in Europe and the reliability of NATO alliances. U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia is crucial for Europe’s security and stability. Orban’s stance might create tensions between the U.S. and Hungary and weaken NATO’s unity and solidarity.
In summary, Orban’s decision not to provide financial support for the Ukraine-Russia war and to maintain close relations with Russia could have significant implications for regional security and stability. This situation might affect the balance of power in international relations and regional dynamics and lead to discussions on strategic issues like Europe’s energy security.
[i] “Trump Won’t Give Money to Ukraine if Elected, says Hungary’s Orban”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-wont-give-money-ukraine-if-elected-says-hungarys-orban-2024-03-11/, (Erişim Tarihi: 12.03.2024).
[ii] “Donald Trump Won’t Give ‘a Penny’ to Ukraine if Elected, Orbán Says”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/viktor-orban-donald-trump-wont-give-a-penny-to-ukraine-if-elected/, (Erişim Tarihi: 12.03.2024).
[iii] “Hungary’s Orban Claims Trump Said he Won’t ‘Give a Penny’ to Ukraine”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/11/hungarys-orban-claims-trump-said-he-wont-give-a-penny-to-ukraine, (Erişim Tarihi: 12.03.2024).
[iv] “Donald Trump Won’t Give ‘a Penny’ to Ukraine if Elected, Orbán Says”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/viktor-orban-donald-trump-wont-give-a-penny-to-ukraine-if-elected/, (Erişim Tarihi: 12.03.2024).
[v] “Trump Won’t Give Money to Ukraine if Elected, says Hungary’s Orban”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-wont-give-money-ukraine-if-elected-says-hungarys-orban-2024-03-11/, (Erişim Tarihi: 12.03.2024).
