 "Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, N.C. Image- AP")
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Sunday that Europe might have to reconsider its support for Ukraine if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election, as “the continent will not be able to bear the burdens of the war alone.”
Orban, who has opposed military aid to Ukraine, expressed confidence that Trump whom he supports over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris would pursue a negotiated peace settlement for Ukraine if elected.
”We (in Europe) need to realize that if there will be a pro-peace president in America, which I not only believe in but I also read the numbers that way, … if what we expect happens and America becomes pro-peace, then Europe cannot remain pro-war,” Orban said.
Ukraine will be high on the agenda when European leaders meet in Budapest in the coming week, he said, referring to a European Political Community meeting and a more informal meeting of EU leaders due to take place.
”Europe cannot bear the burden of [the war] alone, and if Americans switch to peace, then we also need to adapt, and this is what we will discuss in Budapest,” Orban said.
Europe is jittery about how the outcome of the U.S. election will affect the war in Ukraine and the continent’s security.
Orban has angered Brussels with his close ties to Russia and opposition to aid for Ukraine.
Hungary’s foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said in July that the Hungarian government sees Trump as a ”chance for peace” in Ukraine.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn July Orban said his team was assisting Trump’s aides with policies on families and migration. On Thursday, he called Trump to wish him good luck ahead of Tuesday’s election.
With inputs from agencies.