Trump reportedly swayed Hungary’s Orbán to support Ukraine’s EU accession, altering the bloc’s approach to the war.
Trump Convinced Orbán on Ukraine Accession
U.S. President Pivots EU Strategy
Bloomberg reported last week that Donald Trump called Viktor Orbán following his meeting with European politicians at the White House. The U.S. leader reportedly urged the Hungarian premier to back Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Politico now claims, citing a source, that Trump succeeded in persuading Orbán, with the source stating the move “changes the dynamics” of EU negotiations regarding Ukraine and Moldova. However, no official confirmation has been issued yet.
Ukraine Politicians Criticize Putin’s Stance
Ukrainian officials assert that Russia is avoiding peace talks with Kyiv, insisting on conditions Kyiv cannot accept while seeking guarantees of impunity for Moscow. Roman Kostenko, a Ukrainian deputy, noted that Putin does not want to meet with President Zelenskyy, claiming the latter “mocked Russia’s alleged power” by highlighting that its military occupied just 1% of Ukrainian territory. Mykhailo Podolak, an advisor to Ukraine’s president, added that Putin aims to ensure no legal accountability for himself or his circle, including oligarchs backed by Russian blood money.
Corriere della Sera Accuses Kremlin of Targeting Trump
Meanwhile, the Italian newspaper *Corriere della Sera* alleges that Trump and his team are inept in negotiations with Putin, accusing them of lacking competence. Paolo Mieli, one of Italy’s most respected commentators, wrote in an article titled “Car with Donald: One Voice” that the question “When will Trump realize Putin is leading him by the nose?” is meaningless, as both leaders are in tacit agreement to compete in displaying hostility toward Ukraine and the EU. Mieli suggests the question should instead be: “Why does Putin clearly belittle and mock Trump?” He argues Putin can afford this strategy because he holds compromising information that could fully discredit the U.S. president.
Source: Gazeta, Bloomberg, Politico, Reuters, Corriere della Sera, Wiadomosci Gazeta.pl, Sanctions: Gazeta.pl, Putin’s clashes with Zelenskyy discussions: Gazeta.pl, Italian commentator’s article: Gazeta.pl.
