Trump Meets with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is under mounting pressure from both the European Union and the Trump administration to reduce his nation’s dependence on Russian energy.
During his visit to the White House on Friday, Orbán’s main goal is to persuade President Donald Trump to overlook Hungary’s continued purchases of Russian oil, a move that could test the strength of the relationship between the two leaders.
Orbán, once a critic of Russian dominance during the Cold War, has in recent years developed close ties with Moscow, surprising his political rivals and former allies.
Now seen as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most dependable partner within the EU, Orbán has kept cordial relations with the Kremlin despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. His alignment with conservative movements abroad, including Trump’s MAGA platform, has made Hungary a symbol of nationalist governance admired by some and criticized by others for democratic decline.
Trump and Orbán are scheduled to appear together at 11:45 a.m. in Washington, highlighting their continuing political and ideological connection.
Author’s Summary
Orbán’s visit to Washington tests the durability of his alliance with President Trump as pressure mounts over Hungary’s energy dependence on Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war.