Brussels, October 30, 2024 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made headlines on the opening day of an EU summit in Brussels, predicting that a second Trump administration would likely reduce U.S. support for Ukraine.
Orbán’s comments, aligning with Trump’s past skepticism on U.S. involvement in European conflicts, raised concerns among EU leaders as they gathered to address Ukraine’s ongoing war efforts against Russia and the bloc’s commitment to supporting Kyiv.
At the summit, Orbán described Trump’s foreign policy stance as a potential “game-changer” for Europe, stating that his reelection would likely result in a U.S. pivot away from Ukraine, thereby shifting a greater burden onto European countries.
He expressed hope that a Trump administration could reduce global tensions, particularly between the U.S. and Russia, framing his view within Hungary’s long-standing opposition to some EU sanctions against Russia.
In contrast, most EU leaders reiterated their commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing Europe’s role in maintaining regional stability and countering Russian aggression.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both underscored their countries’ intentions to uphold their defense and humanitarian aid commitments to Ukraine, regardless of U.S. policy shifts.
While Orbán has often broken ranks with the EU on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, his comments reflect broader questions surrounding future U.S. foreign policy priorities and how those priorities may shape Europe’s security strategy.