Orban Pushes Trump as Peace Broker in Russia-Ukraine War

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has written to EU leaders stating that U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, if elected, would act immediately as a peace broker in the Russia-Ukraine war. Orban's self-styled 'peace mission' and support for Trump have stirred controversy within the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as an immediate peace broker in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict if Trump wins the upcoming election. Orban communicated this in a letter to European Council President Charles Michel, which he shared with all EU leaders.

Orban's assertion follows his talks with Trump, Ukraine, Russia, and China. He claims that Trump has well-founded plans to mediate peace shortly after his election, bypassing the need for waiting until his inauguration. This comes amid criticism from EU leaders who assert that Orban lacks the mandate to represent the 27-nation bloc.

The EU has expressed disapproval of Orban's self-initiated diplomacy, barring EU Commissioners from Hungarian presidency meetings. Additionally, some EU governments may downgrade their participation in future Hungarian-led ministerial talks. Orban, criticizing President Joe Biden, suggests a Trump victory may shift the financial burden of supporting Ukraine onto the EU and calls for renewed diplomatic communication with Russia and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)