Orbán urges EU to transform Russia strategy amidst Trump era
In an interview on Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stressed the need to renew the EU's relationship with Russia. He urged the European Union to cease intensifying sanctions and suggested that the election of a new U.S. president, Donald Trump, would influence a change in this trend.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Friday that the European Union should concentrate on rebuilding relations with Russia, thereby moving away from the policy of increasing sanctions. He argued that Brussels needs to adapt to the new era, in which more constructive ties with Moscow can be established.
Orban calls on the EU to change policy towards Russia
"A new era is beginning in Brussels, and we need to adapt to it. We will have to build relationships with the Russians without sanctions," Orbán stated bluntly. He did not hold back in his stark criticism of the current EU policy. Orbán emphasised that "Brussels needs a wake-up call, but the EU leadership is still in the drinking phase, and then comes the hangover."
He proudly mentioned that he and his government successfully chaired the EU Council in 2024, which was appreciated even by political opponents. He added that even before the Hungarian presidency, only Budapest in Europe— except for the Vatican—discussed the need for peace in Ukraine.
"Hungarian or Polish farmers may have to shut down"
In Orbán's view, his government's economic plans "will only have an effect if the war does not escalate and if the policy of sanctions is extinguished." He warned that the EU's policy towards Ukraine seriously threatens the European economy. –If the situation continues to develop as it has so far, Hungarian or Polish farmers may also have to shut down their operations – added Viktor Orbán.
– Without Western money, there is no Ukraine. Ukrainian agriculture collides with European agriculture, and Ukraine's economy does not fit into the European system – emphasised the head of the Hungarian government.
The Hungarian Prime Minister declared that the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump in the U.S. might aid efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Orbán expressed the opinion that the West often perceives peace efforts in Ukraine as attempts to betray the interests of the Union, but this perspective needs to change.
