Trump Inquired of Orban Regarding the Barrier to Ukraine's EU Membership
Hungary Expresses Willingness to Facilitate Talks Between Putin and Zelensky
In a surprising development, the Hungarian government has indicated a readiness to organize a new round of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the potential location being Budapest.
This announcement comes after a meeting between Zelensky, Trump, and several European leaders at the White House, where the EU membership of Ukraine was discussed. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was asked to reconsider his stance on Ukraine's EU accession by European leaders, following concerns about Hungary's blocking of such talks.
Orbán, known for his illiberal political strategy, has been a significant hurdle in Ukraine's path to EU membership. He has argued that Ukraine’s EU membership does not guarantee security and has linked it with concerns over regional stability. His veto over Ukraine’s EU bid is part of a wider pattern of Hungary obstructing EU decisions, including sanctions on Russia and budget agreements, using its treaty right to block enlargement to serve illiberal ends.
In August 2025, following the White House meeting, Trump was reportedly asked by European officials to use his influence on Orbán to persuade him to abandon his opposition. Trump called Orbán directly, questioning his blocking of Ukraine’s EU accession. This intervention reportedly led Orbán to reduce his resistance to Ukraine’s membership, raising hopes for a breakthrough in accession talks in the near future.
However, Orban stated on Facebook that he would not change his position on Ukraine's EU membership due to security concerns. The Hungarian government's involvement in potential talks between Putin and Zelensky is being considered as a separate diplomatic initiative.
The Hungarian government's willingness to facilitate talks between Putin and Zelensky is a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia’s war on Ukraine. The EU's enlargement process is at stake, with Hungary's veto threatening the Union's credibility and encouraging authoritarian influence within the Union.
Key Points:
- Hungarian government expresses readiness to organize talks between Putin and Zelensky in Budapest.
- EU membership of Ukraine, according to Orbán, does not guarantee security.
- Hungary, under Orbán's leadership, has been blocking talks on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
- Trump was asked by European leaders to use his influence on Orbán regarding Ukraine's EU accession.
- Orbán reportedly softened his stance, reducing opposition to Ukraine’s accession following Trump's call.
- Orbán stated on Facebook that he would not change his position on Ukraine's EU membership due to security concerns.
- The Hungarian government's involvement in potential talks between Putin and Zelensky is being considered.
[1] The New York Times
[2] The Guardian
[3] Bloomberg News
[4] Reuters
[5] Politico
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