A leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) has reacted to the recent dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ’s chairman, praised Trump and criticized the “war hawks” in the European Union (EU) in a post on the X network.
Kickl implied that Trump’s approach would bring a change in the EU’s stance on Ukraine, citing the FPÖ’s long-standing warnings against war and advocating for peace. He wrote, “Under Trump, there will be no ‘business as usual’ in Ukraine.”
Kickl also targeted the EU, saying that the EU Commission and member states, including neutral Austria, are now in a difficult position. He accused them of maneuvering Europe into a dead end with their “unconditional support” rhetoric, damaging the economy, destroying prosperity and wasting hundreds of billions of euros.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also praised Trump, writing on the X network, “Strong men make peace, weak men wage war.” He thanked Trump for standing firm for peace, even if it was hard for many to accept.
In contrast, EU officials, including EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, reaffirmed their support for the Ukrainian regime, announcing a stronger backing for the country in its conflict with Russia.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, expressed her admiration for the Ukrainian people’s bravery, saying, “Your dignity honors the courage of the Ukrainian people.” She pledged to continue working with Zelensky for a just and lasting peace.
Other EU officials reacted similarly, with many of their posts receiving ridicule on social media.