WATCH LIVE: Trump meets with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

As the conflict nears its fourth anniversary, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces growing pressure from the European Union and the Trump administration to reduce Hungary's dependence on Russian energy.

Orbán, who will meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, aims to persuade the U.S. to overlook Hungary’s persistent purchase of Russian oil. This meeting will test the strength of the relationship between the two leaders.

Trump is set to appear with Orbán at 11:45 a.m.

Orbán's Shift in Foreign Policy

Once a vocal critic of Russia’s dominance during the Cold War, Orbán has dramatically shifted over the past decade, moving closer to Moscow.

Widely regarded as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most dependable ally in the European Union, Orbán has maintained cordial ties with the Kremlin despite its ongoing war in Ukraine. At the same time, he has gained favor with Trump and his MAGA movement, which praises Hungary as an example of conservative nationalism, even as democratic freedoms decline.

Pressure to End Dependence on Russian Oil

With the conflict approaching its fourth year, Orbán faces mounting demands from Brussels and Washington to end Hungary's reliance on Russian oil, a critical revenue source for Moscow’s war efforts.

“Orbán faces pressure from the EU and the Trump administration to reduce reliance on Russian energy.”

Orbán’s steadfast energy policy represents a key point of tension amid broader geopolitical concerns.

Summary

Orbán’s determination to keep buying Russian oil challenges EU and U.S. efforts to isolate Moscow, highlighting the complex alliance between Hungary and both Russia and the Trump administration.

Author’s summary: Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán meets Trump amid intense international pressure to cut Russian oil imports, testing their close political bond as Ukraine’s war continues.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) — 2025-11-07