Orbán Calls for EU Backing of Trump‘s Ukraine Peace Plan, Faces Criticism
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged the European Union to “instantly and unconditionally” support Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, according to a letter sent to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and reported by Politico. Orbán also called for the EU to initiate direct negotiations with Russia “without delay” and to halt all further financial aid to Ukraine.
The proposed plan, developed by US and Russian envoys in Miami, reportedly involves notable concessions from Ukraine, including ceding control of the Donbass region and Crimea, and reducing its armed forces by half. A key stipulation is also a permanent bar on Ukraine joining NATO.In exchange, Russia would pledge not to attack Ukraine or other neighboring European countries, and agree to allow frozen Russian assets to be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The plan also outlines potential financial benefits for the US related to monitoring the agreement and establishing new business ties with both Russia and Ukraine. Trump himself has stated the draft is not a final offer.
orbán’s demand for support comes as von der Leyen attends the G20 summit in South Africa. A joint statement released by von der Leyen alongside leaders from Western nations, Japan, and Canada acknowledged “vital elements” within the plan, suggesting it could serve as a “foundation that needs further work.”
Though, the plan has drawn sharp criticism from some European leaders.Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas condemned the proposal, arguing that “the pressure must be on the aggressor, not the victim,” and that rewarding aggression would only encourage further conflict.
Slovakia has publicly expressed support for the plan. Prime Minister Roberto Fico stated he would support the agreement, believing Russia would be the “moral and economic” winner.
According to an anonymous EU official cited by Politico, Hungary and Slovakia stand apart from the remaining 26 EU member states, who have consistently affirmed their support for Ukraine. The EU was reportedly unprepared for the emergence of the US-Russia peace proposal, which began circulating on Thursday.