08.11.2025 04:04
During a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom he hosted at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump responded to a question from reporters about the possibility of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest by saying, "There is always a possibility, a high possibility."
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US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban spoke at a joint press conference held before their bilateral talks at the White House.
"SIGNAL OF A MEETING WITH PUTIN IN BUDAPEST"
Trump reopened the door to a meeting with Putin, which he previously canceled, believing it would not yield results. Trump said, "There is always a possibility, a high possibility. If the meeting is to take place, I would like it to be in Budapest."
Orban stated that he believes the war could end "in the not-so-distant future" and expressed their desire to contribute to peace efforts. Trump also mentioned that Orban "knows Putin very well" and that this connection could strengthen the peace channel.
HUNGARY'S SANCTIONS EXEMPTION AND PIPELINES
Prime Minister Orban pointed out that Hungary, which has no sea borders, is dependent on pipelines for energy, stating, "About 90% of households are heated with gas. The main line comes through Turkey; the Croatian connection is 'additional' capacity. The main source is the Druzhba pipeline. The Croatian line is 'complementary' and cannot be the main line without serious investment." Orban noted that cutting off energy supplies from Russia would have severe economic consequences for his country and emphasized the need for investment to increase capacity on the line coming from Croatia.
Trump stated that Hungary is in a difficult position due to its lack of sea access and mentioned that discussions were being held regarding Hungary's exemption from sanctions for obtaining energy from Russia. The US President did not provide a clear "yes or no" answer.
"EUROPE MUST STOP IRREGULAR MIGRATION"
Trump reiterated that he finds irregular migration in Europe "dangerous," stating, "Even if European leaders do not seem to agree with Orban, they secretly acknowledge that he is right about migration. If you do not stop this, there will be no place called Europe." Trump argued that during his administration, the borders were "strictly closed" and illegal entries were reversed, saying, "They must not only stop it but reverse it. They need to send them back. We did that here."
Orban emphasized the permit-based system, stating that they have faced financial sanctions from the European Union (EU) due to this policy. The Hungarian Prime Minister said they "pay a penalty every day for stopping migrants."
"THE ONLY PEACE-LOVING COUNTRIES ARE HUNGARY AND THE US"
Orban stated regarding the Russia-Ukraine War, "The only peace-loving countries are Hungary and the US. Other European governments want the war to continue." Trump reiterated that the war "should not have started" and that he believes it "will end soon," noting that both sides have suffered heavy losses.
"GOLDEN AGE" GOAL IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
Orban mentioned that relations between Hungary and the US deteriorated during the administration of former US President Joe Biden. The Hungarian Prime Minister stated that relations have returned to "the old level" with Trump, saying, "We are in a suitable position to open a new chapter, a golden age between the US and Hungary."
Trump referred to Orban as "a beloved and effective leader in his country," reminding that trade with Hungary is at the level of billions of dollars.
NATO AND US MILITARY DEPLOYMENT IN EUROPE
In response to a question about the US's recent military activities in Romania and the statement "we will not withdraw US troops from Europe," Trump clarified that this is a "rotation and deployment arrangement," indicating that the total presence is being maintained. The US President noted that alliance coordination is ongoing.
Source: İHA / AA
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