A Major EU Leader Is Back in the White House to Do Putin’s Dirty Work for Him

A Meeting of Minds: Orban and Trump at the White House

On a cold Friday in December 2023, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary is set to make his way through the grand halls of the White House. His destination: a meeting with US President Donald Trump. This encounter, scheduled for later that day, comes at a critical juncture in geopolitical relations and reflects a complex web of interests between Europe, Russia, and the United States.

Strategic Alignment and Shared Interests

The two leaders share a strategic alignment on several key issues. Orban has echoed Kremlin talking points regarding Ukraine, referring to it as “no man’s land” and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. He has also been critical of EU sanctions against Russia, suggesting that they are ineffective in curbing Moscow’s aggression.

Orban’s position is not merely a matter of rhetoric; his country heavily relies on Russian fuel imports.

Hungary’s 15-year contract with Gazprom, signed in September 2021, binds the nation to a significant dependence on Russian energy. This dependency has made Orban hesitant to fully align with EU policies that seek to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

EU Sanctions and Hungarian Independence

The meeting is particularly noteworthy because Hungary faces severe sanctions from Brussels for its democratic backsliding. The European Parliament has triggered Article 7 proceedings, which could potentially strip Hungary of its voting rights within the EU. This move reflects the EU’s commitment to upholding democratic standards across member states.

Despite these pressures, Orban remains a key ally in Eastern Europe and is keen to maintain his country’s independence from broader European policies.

His recent veto on the provision of €50 billion in EU aid to Ukraine highlights this stance. While he reluctantly agreed to allow the package through three months later, it underscored Hungary’s strategic position.

Orban’s Visit: A Friendly Negotiation

Speaking to state news agency MTI on his flight to Washington, Orban emphasized that energy sanctions are a serious matter and that the stakes are high. However, he expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Trump. “All diplomatic negotiations are hard, but I expect a friendly and easy negotiation,” he stated.

Trump has been consistent in supporting Putin’s military campaign by ending US aid to Ukraine. This move has allowed him to brush off criticism of his pro-Kremlin policies, citing the hypocrisy of EU actions. For Orban, maintaining good relations with Trump is crucial for Hungary’s energy security and broader geopolitical interests.

Implications for Europe and Ukraine

The meeting between Orban and Trump can only be seen as a setback for European unity and stability. Their shared opposition to sanctions against Russia could weaken the bloc’s resolve in dealing with Moscow, potentially undermining efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. Moreover, it highlights the complex interplay of national interests within the broader framework of international relations.

For Europe, this meeting underscores the challenges faced in maintaining cohesion and unity in the face of divergent strategic priorities.

The outcome of their talks will have significant implications for both European and American foreign policy agendas, as well as the future of Ukraine and Eastern Europe more broadly.

The encounter between Orban and Trump at the White House is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between national interests and international cooperation. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of global politics, such meetings serve as critical junctures that could shape the course of events in ways yet to be determined.