Donald Trump and Viktor Orban. Photo: Zoltan Fischer/AFP
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Sunday that Europe may reconsider its position on supporting Ukraine if Donald Trump is elected US president, Reuters reports. Orban, who has repeatedly opposed military aid to Ukraine, stressed that European countries “will not be able to bear the burden of war alone.”
Orban supports Trump in his campaign against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, calling the Republican a “chance for peace” for Ukraine. According to Orban, he believes that Trump, like himself, prefers the diplomatic route and will work on a peace agreement for Ukraine.
“If America gets a president who is pro-peace, which I think is likely, Europe will not be able to remain pro-Ukrainian in this conflict,” the Hungarian prime minister said.
Orban also mentioned that the war in Ukraine would be one of the main issues during the next meeting of European leaders in Budapest. According to him, if the US policy changes to a pro-peace one, Europe must adapt to the new conditions.
Orbán’s remarks came amid concerns in Europe about the security implications of the US election for the continent. Orbán is known for his opposition to supporting Ukraine and his close ties with Russia, which often causes tensions with Brussels.
Last week, the Hungarian prime minister called Trump to wish him good luck ahead of the election. Orban also said that his team was advising Trump’s advisers on family and migration policies, stressing their readiness to support the Republican candidate.
