Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that if Donald Trump secures another term as US president, he will not allocate any financial support to Ukraine's conflict against Russia's invasion. Orban made these remarks following a meeting with Trump in Florida, asserting that Trump's stance would effectively bring an end to the war.
Trump, who is seeking reelection, has promised to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict swiftly, claiming it could be resolved "within 24 hours." However, he has not provided specific details regarding his plan.
Orban, a staunch conservative and a close ally of Trump, openly supports the former US president in the 2024 White House race. His statements reflect the geopolitical implications of potential US leadership changes on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban raised concerns about Europe's support for Ukraine, emphasizing the country's reliance on external assistance. In an interview with Hungary's M1 TV channel, Orban stated that without financial and military aid from the United States and Europe, Ukraine would be unable to sustain its defense efforts against Russia. He highlighted the significance of American contributions, suggesting that without US funding, European support alone would not suffice to sustain the conflict.
Orban also hinted at Donald Trump's purportedly detailed plans to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war but refrained from providing further details. The BBC reached out to the Trump campaign for clarification on this matter.
As president, Trump would be responsible for approving spending bills from Congress, and his past skepticism regarding continued US funding for Ukraine's defense raises questions about future American assistance to the country.
During a meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, the former president praised Orban, highlighting their strong relationship. However, Orban's visit to the United States did not include a meeting with current President Joe Biden, who is anticipated to be Trump's primary opponent in the upcoming presidential elections. This absence of engagement with the current administration is unusual for a visiting foreign leader, sparking speculation about diplomatic dynamics amidst the impending US elections.
The Hungarian prime minister, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has faced mounting criticism from EU counterparts for his stance since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Viktor Orban has steadfastly opposed sending weapons to Ukraine, arguing that Kyiv cannot prevail against a nuclear-armed Russia.
Concerns among EU leaders are growing over the potential implications of a second Trump presidency, particularly regarding reduced US military and financial aid to Ukraine and NATO. A $95 billion foreign aid bill, including $60 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, has stalled in the US Congress due to Republican opposition, spurred on by Trump's encouragement.
Trump has advocated for the bill to be structured as a loan rather than a grant, insisting on repayment if Ukraine succeeds. Amid Russian advances in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv's ammunition shortages, the country relies heavily on US and Western allies' weapons to counter Russia's superior military capabilities.
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