Orban unexpectedly opposed Trump's proposal to increase defense spending in NATO countries.
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, unexpectedly opposed Donald Trump's proposal to increase defense spending for NATO countries. Orban stated that raising defense expenditures beyond 2% of GDP could severely impact the Hungarian economy. Therefore, Budapest advocates for a reduction in military spending.
This announcement was made by the Hungarian Prime Minister at a press conference on December 21. Orban's statement indicated that such a policy would pose a serious economic challenge for the country, complicating the financial situation in Hungary. The Prime Minister also emphasized that Budapest hopes for international conditions that would allow for a decrease in defense costs, but acknowledged that the world is moving in a different direction.
According to him, Budapest would prefer to see "international conditions that would allow for a reduction (in defense spending - ed.), but the world is moving in a different direction." This statement came as a surprise given the political closeness between Orban and Trump. The leaders share common views on several important issues, yet the economic aspect of Trump's NATO proposal proved sensitive for Hungary, and Orban is evidently trying to balance strategic alliance commitments with the country's economic realities.
Analysts suggest that Trump's victory in the presidential election could lead to even greater economic risks for Hungary, considering his proposal for a substantial increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP. Nevertheless, Trump promises to continue military assistance to Ukraine, which further complicates the situation for countries like Hungary that are cautious in their support of NATO measures.
Meanwhile, the newly elected U.S. president expressed interest in the peace initiatives of the Hungarian Prime Minister, and it is expected that they will continue in December 2024.
Trump's Influence on Assistance to Ukraine
Recently, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that the level of military aid provided by President Joe Biden's administration is intended to meet Ukraine's needs until the end of 2025. At the same time, the Pentagon suggests that the Biden administration may not be able to spend all remaining funds under the PDA program ($5.6 billion), which Congress allocated for sending weapons and other military assistance to Kyiv. It remains unclear how the elected U.S. President Donald Trump will utilize these funds.
The New York Times, citing a senior Pentagon official, reported that the U.S. plans to announce additional assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year. However, it was also noted that it would be challenging to expedite the delivery of what remains to the battlefield before Trump's administration begins in January 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, stated that he would personally discuss the issue of further support for Ukraine with the elected U.S. leader Donald Trump. This will happen when Trump returns to the White House. The President emphasized that it would be very difficult without American assistance.
Kit Kellogg is considered the author of the maxim that Ukraine will be deprived of American aid if it refuses to negotiate with Russia. If Russia refuses negotiations, U.S. assistance will be significantly increased. This is how the idea of "peace through strength" will be realized.