Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, suggests that ending the war in Ukraine might be possible if Donald Trump returns to the White House. This view emerged in a conversation with American journalist Tucker Carlson, shared on Carlson’s X page. The Hungarian leader was asked what steps should follow if the current U.S. president, Joe Biden, is out of office and the United States moves in a different direction on Ukraine policy.
Orban’s response was straightforward: peace at once. He added that Trump’s return to the presidency would likely open a path to resolution. He noted that while Trump could face criticism on several fronts, his foreign policy actions over the past years have been among the strongest in decades, according to the Hungarian leader.
The Hungarian prime minister highlighted Trump’s ongoing engagement with major world powers such as China, Russia, and North Korea. He also pointed to progress in Arab states recognizing Israel, and he argued that Trump has avoided initiating new armed conflicts. In Orban’s view, Trump is a figure who could, in his assessment, save the Western world and perhaps humanity itself on a global scale.
Trump himself has previously claimed he could settle the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, a promise that has been echoed in discussions about potential negotiation strategies. Orban’s remarks frame Trump as a negotiator who could influence the trajectory of European and global security dynamics in the near term.
In the broader context, discussions about Ukraine policy and leadership in the United States continue to shape how European countries respond to Russia’s actions and the balance of political forces across the Atlantic. Observers note that the direction of U.S. policy remains a central factor in any viable peace process and in setting the terms of any negotiations with Russia. The dialogue underscores the enduring debate over what constitutes effective diplomacy and how different leadership styles might impact the prospects for de-escalation and lasting agreements.
Analysts also emphasize the importance of consistent, multilateral efforts that involve European allies, NATO partners, and international institutions. They caution that while personal leadership charisma can influence public sentiment, durable peace depends on concrete, verifiable commitments, practical concessions, and clear timelines that all parties can agree upon. The ongoing conversation highlights how political rhetoric intersects with the practical physics of international diplomacy, where timing, coalition-building, and credible guarantees often determine whether talks translate into real, measurable progress.