Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, has written a letter to EU leaders advocating for Donald Trump’s proposed peace plans for the Ukraine conflict. Orban, a known ally of Trump, emphasized that the former president has “detailed and well-founded plans” to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Orban’s letter, addressed to European Council President Charles Michel, follows his recent meetings with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the letter, Orban stated, “I can surely state that shortly after his election victory, he will not wait until his inauguration. [Trump] will be ready to act as a peace broker immediately.”

The letter highlights Orban’s belief that Trump’s plans for peace are not just campaign rhetoric. Orban’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week solidified his view that Trump is prepared to intervene swiftly to end the conflict.

This move by Orban has sparked tension within the EU, particularly among Liberal-Globalist factions who oppose Hungary’s current EU leadership. Despite calls to boycott Hungary’s EU meetings, Orban remains resolute, pushing forward with his peace initiative.

The Guardian reported that Orban’s letter suggested a Trump victory would necessitate the EU reopening diplomatic channels with Russia and initiating high-level talks with China. Orban warned that Trump’s victory would shift the financial burden of supporting Ukraine more heavily onto the EU.

“I am more than convinced that in the likely outcome of the victory of President Trump, the proportion of the financial burden between the US and the EU will significantly change to the EU’s disadvantage when it comes to the financial support of Ukraine,” Orban wrote.

Orban also relayed observations from his recent discussions with Putin, Xi, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He noted a consensus that the conflict’s intensity is likely to escalate soon.

In response to Orban’s letter, the European Commission president’s spokesperson announced that the EU Commission would only be represented at a senior civil servant level during meetings called by Orban. Additionally, some EU member states have opted to send lower-level officials to EU events in Hungary.

Orban’s political director, Balázs Orban, reinforced the prime minister’s stance on social media, advocating for a European strategy focused on a ceasefire and peace negotiations rather than following the US’s pro-war policies. He emphasized using Hungary’s EU presidency to create conditions for peace talks.

This bold move by Orban underscores the deep divisions within the EU over handling the Ukraine conflict and highlights his commitment to pursuing a diplomatic resolution through Trump’s proposed plans.