Orban: Trump’s role crucial for Russia’s reintegration into global economy

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed confidence that Russia will be fully reintegrated into the global economy and European security once the conflict in Ukraine is resolved.

Speaking on Kossuth radio, Orban highlighted his hopes for an agreement to end hostilities in Ukraine, relying on US President Donald Trump’s anticipated peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, per Caliber.Az.

Orban stated, “I think that when the US president reaches an agreement [on Ukraine] at the peace talks table, Russia will be integrated back into the global economy and the European security system.”

The Hungarian leader reiterated Hungary's long-standing position in favour of lifting sanctions against Russia, which he claimed have significantly damaged the European economy, particularly by driving up energy prices. Orban emphasized, “We lose 6.5 billion euros a year because of this, and overall we have lost about 20 billion euros over three years. This is a huge amount.”

He argued that reintegrating Russia into the European economy, particularly the energy sector, would provide a significant boost to Hungary’s economy. “This will give a huge boost to the Hungarian economy,” Orban said, adding, “Hungary will be at a great advantage in the world.”

Orban also reflected on the shift in Western diplomacy regarding the Ukrainian conflict. While Hungary and the Vatican were the only voices consistently calling for peace, Orban noted that the new US administration has now joined their position.

“It is important for us Hungarians to know that we did the right thing by sticking to this position for the last three years. But now there are three of us, and this is a great power,” he said, acknowledging the influence of the United States as a global leader.

On February 12, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump held a significant phone call, during which they discussed the Ukrainian conflict, an exchange of citizens, and broader bilateral relations. The two leaders agreed on the need for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, with Trump supporting an early cessation of hostilities. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, “Putin mentioned eliminating the root cause of the conflict and agreed that a long-term settlement can be reached through peaceful negotiations.”

Peskov added that Putin invited Trump to visit Moscow, expressing readiness to address matters of mutual interest, including Ukraine. The conversation also covered the Middle East situation, the Iranian nuclear program, and economic relations between the two nations. The two leaders agreed to maintain personal contacts and plan a face-to-face meeting in the future.

By Tamilla Hasanova