Orban, who has grown increasingly isolated within the EU for his ties with Russia and opposition to military aid for Ukraine, has praised Trump as a "man of peace" who would quickly end the war. The two spoke by phone late on Wednesday, and Orban posted on social media: "We have big plans for the future".

Europe and the United States face tough talks on trade after Donald Trump's U.S. election victory, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday.

Europe alone cannot shoulder the financial strain of supporting Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban said. He warned that closely-allied President-elect Donald Trump will likely steer Washington out of the conflict.