Orbán Expresses Openness to Host Putin in Hungary
In a recent interview, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discusses the Ukraine conflict, EU relations, and future collaborations with global leaders.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave an interview on Sunday to the French LCI television, where he spoke extensively about the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and Hungary's foreign policy stance.
Orbán asserted that the conflict is unlikely to escalate into a global war, claiming that 'the Russians are too weak for that' and stating that they cannot even defeat Ukraine, suggesting that they would not effectively challenge NATO.
He emphasized the need for a ceasefire followed by peace in Ukraine, while arguing that 'neither Europeans nor Ukrainians will be able to come to an agreement with the Russians.' He proposed that a deal should be reached between the Russians and the Americans, stating, 'Ukraine is not suited to be a member of NATO or the European Union.' Orbán justified this position by asserting that neither Hungary nor the EU has an interest in a direct conflict with Russia.
In his remarks, Orbán noted that Hungary has a better understanding of Ukraine's history compared to France.
He emphasized the necessity of negotiating with Russia, insisting that they only understand the language of strength, and hence Europe must also be strong.
He expressed his willingness to warmly welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to Hungary, stating, 'If he wants to come to Hungary, we would welcome him.'
Orbán commented on French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing disagreement with his vision for Europe's future.
He criticized Macron's direction as being 'progressive and liberal' and expressed a need to curb Brussels' bureaucracy.
The Prime Minister stated he has only one ally remaining in France, Marine Le Pen, and remarked that should she win the presidential election in 2027, he would celebrate with 'magnum champagne'.
He also expressed a willingness to assist Le Pen in drafting a budget that avoids war expenditures and reduces bureaucracy.
On the subject of U.S. politics, Orbán described President Donald Trump as 'not a messiah', yet indicated possible agreements on tariffs might be reachable, despite acknowledging Trump's tough negotiating style.
He conveyed aspirations for collaboration with China, Russia, and Turkey, suggesting that countries should be understood through their cultures and ideologies.
Orbán was questioned about the recent ban on Pride events in Hungary, to which he responded that no parades harmful to children should take place in Budapest.
His government has faced criticism from various European organizations regarding its stance on LGBTQ rights.
Orbán traveled to France at the invitation of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, leaders of the National Rally (RN), to participate in a leadership meeting of the Patriotic Europeans for Europe party family and to speak at an event celebrating the far-right's electoral success.
During the interview, he reiterated that should Putin choose to visit Hungary, the country would extend formal diplomatic protocols for his reception.
Orbán's close relationship with Putin has been noted, with two meetings since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war—once in October 2023 in Beijing and again in July 2024 in Moscow.
The Prime Minister has maintained that Hungary is interested in developing its ties with Russia while advocating for peace in the ongoing conflict.
Orbán concluded the interview by asserting that the future of Europe should not hinge on immigration but rather on traditional values and heritage.
Orbán asserted that the conflict is unlikely to escalate into a global war, claiming that 'the Russians are too weak for that' and stating that they cannot even defeat Ukraine, suggesting that they would not effectively challenge NATO.
He emphasized the need for a ceasefire followed by peace in Ukraine, while arguing that 'neither Europeans nor Ukrainians will be able to come to an agreement with the Russians.' He proposed that a deal should be reached between the Russians and the Americans, stating, 'Ukraine is not suited to be a member of NATO or the European Union.' Orbán justified this position by asserting that neither Hungary nor the EU has an interest in a direct conflict with Russia.
In his remarks, Orbán noted that Hungary has a better understanding of Ukraine's history compared to France.
He emphasized the necessity of negotiating with Russia, insisting that they only understand the language of strength, and hence Europe must also be strong.
He expressed his willingness to warmly welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to Hungary, stating, 'If he wants to come to Hungary, we would welcome him.'
Orbán commented on French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing disagreement with his vision for Europe's future.
He criticized Macron's direction as being 'progressive and liberal' and expressed a need to curb Brussels' bureaucracy.
The Prime Minister stated he has only one ally remaining in France, Marine Le Pen, and remarked that should she win the presidential election in 2027, he would celebrate with 'magnum champagne'.
He also expressed a willingness to assist Le Pen in drafting a budget that avoids war expenditures and reduces bureaucracy.
On the subject of U.S. politics, Orbán described President Donald Trump as 'not a messiah', yet indicated possible agreements on tariffs might be reachable, despite acknowledging Trump's tough negotiating style.
He conveyed aspirations for collaboration with China, Russia, and Turkey, suggesting that countries should be understood through their cultures and ideologies.
Orbán was questioned about the recent ban on Pride events in Hungary, to which he responded that no parades harmful to children should take place in Budapest.
His government has faced criticism from various European organizations regarding its stance on LGBTQ rights.
Orbán traveled to France at the invitation of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, leaders of the National Rally (RN), to participate in a leadership meeting of the Patriotic Europeans for Europe party family and to speak at an event celebrating the far-right's electoral success.
During the interview, he reiterated that should Putin choose to visit Hungary, the country would extend formal diplomatic protocols for his reception.
Orbán's close relationship with Putin has been noted, with two meetings since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war—once in October 2023 in Beijing and again in July 2024 in Moscow.
The Prime Minister has maintained that Hungary is interested in developing its ties with Russia while advocating for peace in the ongoing conflict.
Orbán concluded the interview by asserting that the future of Europe should not hinge on immigration but rather on traditional values and heritage.
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