U.S. Envoy: We Want a Europe That Doesn’t Depend on Moscow or Beijing

Europe

At the Budapest Energy and Security Talks organized by the Equilibrium Institute, Robert Palladino, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Budapest, delivered a speech that went beyond diplomatic formalities. In addition to reaffirming NATO support and the importance of alliances, he sent a clear political message:

“We want to see Europe contribute more to Ukraine’s defense. We support a Europe that is strong, sovereign, and energy independent — one that does not depend on Moscow or Beijing. That means ending economic and energy entanglements with regimes that threaten our common security. This is a top priority for both the President and the Secretary of State,” said Palladino.

“To be frank, it’s difficult for the United States to deepen ties with partners who are simultaneously deepening ties with our adversaries. Despite disagreements, honest dialogue and practical cooperation can help us move forward. Many allies have responded positively to our renewed commitment to shared security — Hungary among them.”

Palladino emphasized that unity and resolve are key to achieving peace in Ukraine, stability in Europe, and a stronger transatlantic alliance.


Could Trump Lose Patience with Orbán’s Pro-China and Pro-Russia Stance?

On the first day of the conference, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, who served as Special Envoy to Ukraine under Donald Trump, shared insights on U.S.-Hungary relations. He outlined three dominant foreign policy camps in Washington:

  1. The Reagan-style camp supports confronting Russian aggression and sees peace through strength.

  2. Isolationists prioritize domestic interests and want to avoid foreign entanglements.

  3. China-focused strategists believe the U.S. should concentrate on containing China, leaving Europe to handle its own regional issues.

Hungary’s stance on Ukraine is viewed differently depending on which camp one belongs to. Those in the first group see Hungary’s approach as troubling — appearing to side with Russia — which conflicts with U.S. strategic interests. The other two camps see it as a European issue.

Volker also expressed confusion over the Hungarian government’s increasing hostility toward Ukraine, given Hungary’s own history.

Regarding the Trump-Orbán relationship, Volker noted Trump’s admiration for Hungary’s conservative social policies. Trump believes the U.S. has been overtaken by radical progressive movements and sees Hungary as a country that has already rejected such ideologies. This makes Hungary appealing to him.

However, if issues like Hungary’s openness to China, its continued reliance on Russian energy, or perceived reluctance to support a ceasefire in Ukraine become more prominent, Trump could reassess. Volker believes Trump is not ideologically tied to Hungary — while he may admire some policies and maintain personal sympathy for Orbán, his decisions will ultimately follow the “America First” principle, which may lead to a shift in tone if interests diverge.

(Source: 444.hu)

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