As Hungary heads to the polls, both the United States and Russia are backing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, raising questions about their shared interests. US Vice-President JD Vance is set to visit Budapest days before the election, a move seen as bolstering Orbán, who trails in the polls. Meanwhile, Russian intelligence agencies and disinformation networks are allegedly working to sway the vote in his favour.
The convergence of US and Russian support is ironic, according to Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign Relations. He noted that the US has realigned ideologically, embracing a white nationalist Christian civilisational ethic that Orbán represents. Donald Trump has repeatedly endorsed Orbán, calling him a “fantastic guy” and a “strong and powerful leader”.
Hungary’s relationship with the EU has deteriorated over migration, LGBTQ+ rights, and Orbán’s refusal to approve a €90bn loan to Ukraine. In contrast, Orbán has fostered warm ties with the Trump administration. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, calling it in America’s national interest.
However, motivations differ. Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute said Russia sees Orbán as a useful fifth column within the EU, capable of blocking decisions and serving as a conduit for intelligence. The Washington Post reported that Russian operatives proposed staging an assassination attempt on Orbán to boost his chances, while the Guardian found pro-Orbán disinformation from Russian-linked networks.
