Orbán Meets Trump Amid Strained ‘Bromance’ Over Russian Oil (Worthy News Analysis)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will meet U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House on Friday amid growing signs that their long-time political bromance may be cooling.

At the heart of their talks lies a deep policy rift: Orbán’s refusal to stop importing cheap Russian oil and gas — a position that clashes sharply with Washington’s renewed sanctions campaign to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine.

Orbán, who faces national elections in April, is determined to keep Hungarian household utility bills among the lowest in Europe, even as the United States and the European Union push him to reduce reliance on Russian energy. Polls show him trailing behind rising opposition leader Péter Magyar of the emerging TISZA Party.

For Orbán, Friday’s meeting is politically crucial. He hopes to secure a U.S. exemption from sanctions targeting Russian energy firms, revive plans for a postponed Trump-Putin peace summit in Budapest, and reaffirm his alliance with Trump as both men frame themselves as defenders of “Christian civilization” and national sovereignty.

“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,” Orbán said recently after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican — an apparent nod to Trump as his political counterpart.

Yet analysts warn that Orbán may find even a friendly Trump administration has limits. The White House wants Hungary and Slovakia to swiftly cut dependence on Russian oil — a stance Trump has personally championed in his effort to push Moscow toward a ceasefire.

NO VIABLE ALTERNATIVE

Orbán argues that landlocked Hungary has “no viable alternative” to Russian crude, delivered mainly through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. Critics, however, note that neighboring Czechia — once equally dependent — already shifted to Brent crude through the Adria pipeline from Croatia.

Within the EU, Orbán remains Russia’s most sympathetic leader, drawing praise from President Vladimir Putin for resisting sanctions. But his stance has deepened Hungary’s isolation inside NATO and Brussels.

Trump’s aides say the U.S. president will press Orbán to show progress toward diversifying energy supplies, possibly via Croatia’s Adria pipeline. Additionally, Trump wants him to stop blocking EU and NATO military alliance initiatives supporting Ukraine.

The U.S. president also seeks clarification on the Hungarian government’s position on the proposed U.S.–Russia “peace roadmap” that Orbán wants to see being discussed in Budapest.

For the self-styled illiberal strongman of Central Europe, the outcome could shape both his re-election prospects and his international standing, according to a Worthy News analysis.

If Orbán fails to win concessions, his image as Trump’s closest European ally — once the centerpiece of their much-publicized bromance — could be tested like never before.

Latest Worthy News