He spoke about his first meeting with Pope Leo XIV, describing the Vatican as the spiritual center of a growing global anti-war network. “There is a war-opposing network in the world, with two focal points: one of power led by the U.S. president and one of spirit found here with the Holy Father. We draw strength, motivation and blessing from both,” said the prime minister.
He emphasized that this alliance now includes President Donald Trump, who has returned to the peace camp with tangible results, including the recent Gaza ceasefire.
Prime Minister Orbán confirmed that the planned peace summit between the Russian and American presidents is still set to take place in Budapest. “That summit is happening. Take it as fact,” he said. While the exact date remains uncertain, he pointed out that the framework is already in place. “Look at the last major peace summit in Sharm El Sheikh. It was finalized within three days after months of background talks. The same could happen here.”
He rejected Brussels’ latest effort to bypass Hungary in decision-making on Ukraine, stating clearly that such a precedent would threaten all member states. “No country wants to open that precedent. Today it is Hungary, tomorrow it could be any of them.” Prime Minister Orbán added that Hungary, Slovakia and now the Czech Republic all have peace-oriented governments, and the escalating costs of war are pushing even Western leaders to reconsider.
“Europe is running out of money. The longer this war continues, the clearer it becomes: We simply cannot afford it.”
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Orbán laid out four key goals: a peace agreement between the United States and Russia, a strategic rather than membership-based partnership with Ukraine, access to European funds for national development, and the freedom of EU member states to pursue their own energy policies.
“If someone does not want to buy Russian energy, fine. But do not prevent others who must,” he concluded.