Orban and Trump's Peace Mission: A Controversial Diplomatic Endeavor

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Donald Trump to discuss peace possibilities in Ukraine, continuing his self-styled peace mission. Orban's actions have sparked frustration among NATO and EU allies, particularly after engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting took place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, as part of Orban's self-declared peace mission aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. According to Orban's spokesperson, the leaders discussed potential avenues for achieving peace.

This meeting, held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, follows Orban's surprise visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing. His engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn ire from NATO allies, who view the visit as legitimizing Putin amidst efforts to isolate him over the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized Orban's initiative, arguing that effective negotiations require substantial influence.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns over any peace negotiations that exclude Ukraine, deeming them inconsistent with U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, Orban's peace efforts have also unsettled the European Union, which Hungary currently presides over. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungary anticipates peace in Ukraine would be more attainable under a second Trump presidency.

(With inputs from agencies.)