Pro-Russian Hungarian Prime Minister Ahead of U.S.-Russia Summit
"Key Issue Is When the West Will Acknowledge Russia's Victory"
Calls EU Joint Statement "Ridiculous and Pathetic"
As a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin approaches, the Hungarian government has claimed that "Russia has already won the war." According to Yonhap News, on the 12th (local time), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated in a YouTube interview with the channel "Patriota," "People talk as if this is a war with no end in sight, but that is not the case," adding, "Ukraine has lost the war. Russia has won."
Prime Minister Orban further remarked, "The key issue is when and under what circumstances the West, which has been supporting Ukraine, will acknowledge the fact that Russia has won, and what consequences will result from this." He pointed out, "Europe already missed its opportunity to negotiate with Russia during the Biden administration, and now faces the risk that Europe's future will be decided without any European involvement."
Regarding the upcoming U.S.-Russia summit scheduled for the 15th, Orban also criticized the European Union's (EU) statement, saying, "The EU, which was not invited to the summit, issuing a statement on the Ukraine issue only makes itself look ridiculous and pathetic."
On the 12th, EU member states issued a joint statement saying, "We welcome President Trump's efforts to end the war," but also emphasized, "A just and lasting peace must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and borders must not be changed by force." The statement added, "Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities," and, "The EU emphasizes Ukraine's inherent right to choose its own destiny and will continue to support Ukraine's path to EU membership." However, Hungary did not participate in this statement.
Although Hungary is a member of both the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Prime Minister Orban has maintained a pro-Russian stance and has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since the outbreak of the war. He has frequently obstructed the EU's decision-making process on sanctions against Russia and has previously refrained from joining joint statements supporting Ukraine's EU accession.
From the left, Donald Trump, President of the United States; Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine; Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Meanwhile, on the 13th, leaders from Europe, the United States, and Ukraine held a virtual meeting to discuss the upcoming U.S.-Russia summit. After the meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "Ukraine must participate in any subsequent peace negotiations, and the process should proceed in the proper order, starting with a ceasefire and following a basic agreement." He added, "Ukraine is ready to negotiate territorial issues, but negotiations must begin from the so-called 'contact line' (the current front line). Whether to legally recognize Russia's occupation is not up for discussion."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "I hope an immediate ceasefire will be the main topic of the talks," and added, "If Russia does not agree to a ceasefire, sanctions must be maintained and strengthened." President Trump stated, "If my first meeting with President Putin goes smoothly, a trilateral summit including President Zelensky can be held immediately."
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