Putting a spoke in Ukraine's wheels: Orban's allies will meet with Republicans

Orban's allies want to talk to the Republicans/Getty Images/Channel 24 Collage

Allies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will recently hold a closed meeting with Republicans in Washington. It is reported that the topic of their conversation may be military assistance to Ukraine.

Hungary is trying to build ties with the Republicans. It is important that the event is organized by a think tank that opposes support for Ukraine.

Orban and the Republicans

On Monday, December 11, members of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and staff from the Hungarian Embassy in Washington will host a two-day event organized by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. The first day of this meeting, for example, will be devoted to the war in Ukraine and the transatlantic culture wars.

Republican journalist sources note that some in attendance, including Republican members of Congress, invited to join closed negotiations that would take place the next day. It is important that this will happen against the backdrop of the debate in Washington on financing Ukraine.

The Hungarian Embassy in DC has been very active lately in trying to restore ties with Republicans. And strengthen them where appropriate,” said Dalibor Rogac, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

However, the analyst argues that despite Orban’s good relations with some Republicans, It is unlikely that Hungary will influence US funding for Ukraine.

Debates around Ukraine in the US

• The Senate on December 6 blocked the start of debate on the $106 billion aid package, which provides more than $61 billion for Ukraine's defense needs. The reason was the Republicans' demands to increase spending on the defense of the US southern border.
• The White House and the US Congress are trying to agree on a new aid package. In particular, Biden said he was ready to make significant concessions on border security. That is, the US presidential administration will consider increasing the standards for the initial screening of asylum applicants.
• Congress has a week left before the Christmas recess to approve an arms funding package for Ukraine.