Hungarian President Orbán Declares Ukraine Needs 'Miracle' for Victory, Trump Chuckles at White House Meeting

Hungarian President Viktor Orbán stated on November 7, 2025, that it would require a "miracle" for Ukraine to achieve victory against Russia on the frontlines. The controversial remark was made during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, prompting a chuckle from Trump. The discussion centered on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader peace efforts.

Orbán further elaborated on his perspective, accusing other European nations of "misunderstanding the situation" by believing Ukraine could defeat Russia. He positioned the United States government and Hungary as the sole "pro-peace" entities in Europe, advocating for an end to the conflict. This stance aligns with his long-held skepticism regarding Ukraine's military prospects.

The meeting between Trump and Orbán was characterized by mutual praise, with Orbán describing it as a "Golden Age" in U.S.-Hungarian relations. While the Ukraine war was a primary topic, discussions also touched upon Hungary's energy security and its reliance on Russian oil. Orbán led a delegation to Washington, signaling the importance of the bilateral talks.

During their exchange, Trump directly questioned Orbán on Ukraine's ability to win the war. Orbán replied, "You know, a miracle can happen," eliciting Trump's laughter, according to reports. Trump expressed confidence that the war would conclude, and he reiterated his desire to host a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

A significant aspect of the discussions involved Hungary's request for an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil due to its landlocked status and energy needs. Trump indicated he was "looking at it," acknowledging Hungary's difficulties in sourcing oil elsewhere. Concurrently, Hungary announced a deal to purchase nuclear fuel from the U.S. for the first time, diversifying its energy suppliers.