Photo: Martyn Wheatley / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for a review of the EU’s strategy towards Ukraine, citing a possible change in US policy following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. Speaking at a summit of Turkic-speaking countries in Bishkek, Orban said that Europe may have to take on a significant share of financial and military support for Ukraine if the United States under Trump’s leadership cuts aid to Kyiv, Hungary Today reports .
Orbán, who has good relations with both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has called for a new “peace strategy” for the EU. However, Orban’s stance has caused serious controversy in the EU, where his policies are often seen as pro-Russian. Orban has repeatedly spoken out against arms supplies to Ukraine and threatened to veto sanctions against Moscow, questioning European unity over Russian aggression.
Amid international criticism, Orban called Trump’s victory “brilliant” in a video message on Facebook and assured that it would “bring hope for peace”. Experts, however, believe that the “peace” promoted by Orban may be in Moscow’s interests, in particular, demands for concessions from Ukraine.
This statement comes on the eve of an informal EU summit in Budapest, where the results of the US election and their impact on future European policy are likely to be discussed.
