US Vice President JD Vance Discusses Ukraine and Hungary Situation with Viktor Orban
During a recent meeting in Budapest, US Vice President JD Vance addressed questions regarding alleged threats from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This press conference, held on April 7, was broadcast by Ukrainian Public Broadcasting.
US Vice President JD Vance, in a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, responded to journalists' inquiries about purported threats that may have been made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky towards the Hungarian leader. This press conference, which took place on April 7, was aired by Ukrainian Public Broadcasting.
Vance, commenting on the situation, stated that he had no information regarding any threats from Zelensky to Orban. He emphasized, 'I do not know if President Zelensky threatened Orban. But there are many people who have threatened him and the population of Hungary in general. This is worth a lot to the people of Hungary... This leader [Orban] has shown wisdom and prudence regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,' he said, highlighting the importance of caution in international politics.
Additionally, JD Vance expressed his opinion about Orban, calling him 'the best player' in diplomacy. 'He knows what the Russians need, he knows what the Ukrainians need. He knows what is necessary to end this war,' the Vice President noted, underscoring Hungary's crucial role in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Furthermore, Vance expressed confidence in Orban's victory in the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. 'Viktor Orban will win the next elections in Hungary, so I am completely confident in this and in our positive relations,' The Guardian quoted JD Vance's remarks.
Following this, he turned to Orban with the question, 'Viktor, is this true?' The Hungarian Prime Minister, smiling contentedly, replied, 'That’s the plan.'
JD Vance's visit to Hungary took place just ahead of the parliamentary elections, and he mentioned to reporters that he was 'looking forward to meeting my good friend' Viktor Orban. This meeting marked an important event, as it highlighted the US's support for the Hungarian Prime Minister amid political competition.
Prior to Vance's visit, Reuters reported that his arrival aimed to demonstrate support for Orban, who, according to polls, appears to be trailing behind his opponent, Peter Madjar. On April 1, Reuters, citing data from two polls, reported that the opposition political force Tisza had increased its lead over Orban's ruling party, Fidesz, ahead of the April 12 elections.
Thus, JD Vance's visit to Budapest not only underscored the importance of bilateral relations between the US and Hungary but also reflected the current political challenges facing the Hungarian Prime Minister in light of the upcoming elections.