Foreign threats will not weaken public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, Orban claimed that the administration of US President Joe Biden misunderstands Russians if it expects economic sanctions and frontline losses to erode support for Putin. Orban argued that while Western politics focus on providing more freedom to the people, Russians prioritize national unity.
Orban explained that Russia’s military approach, centered around security, safety, buffer zone, and geopolitical strategies, is legitimate considering the country’s history. He criticized the US leadership, stating that they misunderstand the Russians, especially when there is an ocean separating them from Russia. Orban firmly believed that it is impossible to defeat Russia with the current strategy, as the Russians will not abandon their leader, will maintain the unity of the country, and defend it.
When asked about the consequences of “assassinating” Putin and the fate of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, Orban highlighted the initial fear in the West when Putin took over from Boris Yeltsin in 2000. The concern was that Putin would prove to be weak, leading to anarchy. Orban emphasized that deposing the Russian president would be a mistake and more than dangerous.
Orban also addressed accusations of being a “bootlicker of Putin,” stating that Hungary has historically experienced Russia’s suppression of Hungarian aspirations for independence. Therefore, it is implausible that an elected politician in Hungary would be subservient to Moscow. He acknowledged that Hungary supports a swift resolution of the Ukraine conflict but emphasized the importance of maintaining economic relations with Russia, particularly in the energy sector. Orban stressed that involving Russia in the security architecture of Europe is necessary to provide a safe life for European citizens.
According to Orban, some NATO leaders, including Biden, are seeking to crush Russia through military support for Ukraine. However, Hungary has consistently argued that this approach will not succeed. Orban asserted that Russia does not pose a military threat to NATO members, as they have far greater conventional capabilities than Moscow. He also stated that the opportunity to incorporate Ukraine into NATO has passed, and achieving peace requires Washington to recognize its influence in determining whether hostilities continue or stop.
In conclusion, Orban’s interview with Carlson emphasizes his belief that foreign threats will not weaken public support for Putin in Russia. He suggests that Western countries should understand Russia’s focus on national unity and security concerns. Orban also emphasizes the importance of maintaining economic relations with Russia and involving them in Europe’s security architecture for a safe life for European citizens.
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