Urbi et Orban: Pope could derail support for Ukraine

Francis shows backing for Hungary’s peace deal’ between Kyiv and Moscow, while Trump’s election puts US aid at risk

- DAVID MADDOX

A surprising trinity of Donald Trump, Hungary’s right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban and Pope Francis could spell the end to hopes for continued support for Ukraine in fighting the war against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

The Independent has spoken to Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, who has been critical in attempting to create an international coalition to find a “peace deal” to end the war. He has spoken about how Pope Francis has played an important role in supporting a deal that will probably see Mr Trump push for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer held talks in Paris with French president Emmanuel Macron yesterday. Ukraine and the need for a European security pact as part of a post-Brexit reset was at the top of the agenda as the leaders vowed to ensure support for Kyiv continued.

Earlier, defence secretary John Healey defiantly rejected claims the US president-elect will reverse the current Ukraine policy. He toldSky News: “I don’t expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe.”