In a surprising move reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has vowed to "Make Europe Great Again" during Hungary's six-month presidency of the European Union. However, his recent unannounced visits to Ukraine, Russia, and China have caused alarm among EU leaders.

Orbán's trip to Ukraine last week, his first since Russia's invasion of the country, raised eyebrows among his allies. He then proceeded to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. These secret meetings have further strained Hungary's relationship with the EU and prompted attempts to contain Orbán's influence during the country's EU presidency.

Critics argue that Orbán's actions are undermining EU and NATO interests and isolating Hungary from its Western partners. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed concern, stating, "One must act as an honest broker and not give the impression that you are speaking for other countries." He accused Orbán of abusing the EU presidency for his personal agenda.

Péter Krekó, an analyst with a Budapest-based think tank, described Orbán's diplomatic approach as "troll diplomacy," further stating that it only serves to marginalize him in EU politics. Krekó also highlighted that Orbán missed an opportunity to bring recognition to Hungary by organizing high-level meetings in Budapest that could align with the European mainstream.

Orbán's close rapport with Putin and his advocacy for Chinese investments have long puzzled his Western partners. The recent meetings with Putin, Xi, and Trump, which were kept secret from EU partners, have drawn significant backlash and led some countries to consider boycotting or limiting participation in upcoming informal meetings related to Hungary's EU presidency.

Tensions are high among EU leaders as concerns grow about Orbán's self-declared role in the "peace mission" and his ambiguous representation of other countries. The EU has already withheld over $20 billion in funds to Hungary over allegations of violating democratic standards, the rule of law, and corruption.

Observers view Orbán's recent actions as a departure from being a loyal ally and a destructive force within the EU and NATO. His meeting with Trump, who has been critical of NATO, adds to the perception of "troll diplomacy."

The White House's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, expressed concern about Orbán's meeting with Trump, stating that it is not consistent with the Biden administration's position on Ukraine. Orbán's disruptive foreign policy is seen as an attempt to elevate his political position within Hungary and on the global stage.

While Orbán claims that Hungary's independent foreign policy is a result of its limited influence, analysts believe it is more about strengthening his political standing domestically and internationally. Orbán's secret diplomatic missions have ignited a backlash within the EU, raising questions about Hungary's role during its presidency and its alignment with EU and NATO interests.