When Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed that Budapest would host a historic summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the announcement sent shockwaves through global politics. In a Europe dominated by rigid pro-war rhetoric and ideological conformity, Hungary’s move to position itself as a neutral ground for peace talks stands as both audacious and visionary. Orbán’s message was unambiguous: “We are the only ones in Europe standing for peace.”

In a world where diplomacy has been replaced by sanctions, moral posturing, and isolation, Budapest’s role as host city signals something far deeper than convenience. It reflects a deliberate challenge to the Western political order – a bold declaration that Hungary will not be dictated to by Brussels or Washington on how to pursue peace.

The groundwork for this summit was laid on October 16, when Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone for over two and a half hours. The conversation, described by Trump as “so productive,” reignited hopes that genuine peace negotiations might resume after years of stalemate. Trump later announced that Budapest had been chosen as the meeting place – a gesture symbolizing not only his long-standing interest in ending the conflict but also a shift in where meaningful diplomacy might now occur.

Orbán, in a statement posted on Facebook, explained why Hungary was selected: “We have never lectured anyone. We have never closed channels of negotiation. It is very difficult to convince anyone of anything if we do not talk to them.” That sentiment captures Hungary’s foreign policy philosophy – rooted in pragmatism, dialogue, and strategic neutrality.

Unlike most EU nations, Hungary has refused to sever ties with Russia since the Ukraine........

© Blitz