In a strategic move, Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to discuss Ukraine's potential EU membership, which Hungary opposes. The call followed a White House summit aimed at brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. Orbán later expressed skepticism about security guarantees tied to EU membership.
Trump Pressures Orbán Amid EU Membership Talks for Ukraine
Trump Pressures Orbán Amid EU Membership Talks for Ukraine
Ukraine seeks EU membership, but Hungary opposes it. On Monday, Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Bloomberg reports.
"Ukrainian EU membership does not entail any security guarantees," Orbán later wrote on social media.
On Monday, the White House hosted a summit with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and several European leaders. The day's agenda focused on measures to secure a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
It was previously known that Trump called Vladimir Putin during the meeting to attempt to arrange a meeting between him and Zelensky.
Bloomberg now reports that Trump also called Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the meeting.
Hungary Offers to Host Putin Meeting
The call occurred after several European leaders asked Trump to use his influence over Orbán to persuade Hungary to open up to Ukraine's EU membership, which Hungary has clearly opposed.
"Against Hungary's and Hungarians' will, Ukraine will never become a member," Orbán stated earlier this year.
Bloomberg has no details on what was said about membership during the call. However, it is reported that Hungary expressed interest in hosting a potential meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
"No Security Guarantees"
Neither the US nor Hungary has confirmed the call or a potential hosting role. But after an EU meeting on Tuesday, Orbán wrote a Facebook post addressing Ukraine.
"Ukrainian EU membership does not entail any security guarantees. Therefore, the link between membership and security guarantees is unnecessary and dangerous," he wrote.
Just hours later, European Council President Antonio Costa stated that Ukrainian EU membership "is a top priority," according to Ekot.