Viktor Orbán, a polarizing figure in European politics, reiterated his clear stance in a recent interview. When asked why he trusts Vladimir Putin, Orbán said he values the Russian leadership as a reliable partner, particularly in geopolitical and energy-related matters. In a world marked by instability, he prioritizes stable and pragmatic relationships – even if they don’t always align with Western politics.
Regarding his belief that only Donald Trump can end the Ukraine war, Orbán emphasized that he sees Trump as a “strong man” capable of resolving the conflict diplomatically. In his view, weak leadership is the root of conflict escalation, while strong leaders can bring about peace. Orbán noted that the West should be willing to send its own troops to alter the military balance, but he considers this unrealistic.
Orbán also touched on his meeting with AfD leader Alice Weidel, stating that he is generally willing to engage in dialogue with political forces that share similar values and principles, particularly in regards to national sovereignty and opposition to Brussels bureaucracy. For Orbán, dialogue with various political actors is a way to strengthen the common fight against an unjust European order – even if this meets resistance in the EU.
“The world has changed so much in ten days like it wouldn’t in years” Orbán said.
Energy supply is a central point in Orbán’s politics. Hungary has tied itself to Russian gas supplies through long-term contracts, but the prime minister emphasizes that the country is also investing in new pipelines and alternative energy sources in countries like Romania, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Despite this diversification, Russia remains an indispensable partner.
Orbán continues to reject sanctions against Moscow, as he believes they more heavily burden Hungary’s economy than Russia’s. A complete break with Russian energy supply would be unsustainable for Hungary.
Orbán’s stance on the Ukraine war differs significantly from the EU’s, as he considers sanctions and arms deliveries counterproductive and calls for immediate negotiations and a ceasefire. He is convinced that a Ukrainian victory is illusory as long as the West is not willing to send its own troops into the conflict. His hope lies in Trump, whom he sees as a strong leader capable of resolving the conflict through diplomacy.
“If you’re facing a gordian knot, you must break it. It’s not about our ideas anymore. Trump must sit down with Russia and Ukraine and say, ‘People, let’s make a ceasefire. It’s the only way.’ Weak leaders cause wars, strong ones bring peace” Orbán said.
Orbán sees the current geopolitical situation as a validation of his course, criticizing the EU for its lack of strategic leadership and emphasizing that Hungary’s future lies not only in Europe but also in a strengthened cooperation with the US, China and Russia. Ukraine, in his view, could develop into a second Afghanistan for the EU if European states do not change their stance and opt for diplomacy.
Orbán sees himself as a pioneer of a new political reality, where national sovereignty and pragmatic alliances take center stage.
With his long experience and polarizing course, Orbán remains a key figure in European politics. Whether he will be remembered as a pioneer of a new era will be shown in the future.