Under Orbán’s influence, media began speculating about a possible alliance between Hungary, Slovakia under Fico, and the Czech Republic, where Babiš recently won, regarding support for Ukraine. The main idea: instead of military aid to Ukraine, there should be economic cooperation with Moscow. Cheap oil and gas, the “Merkel legacy,” were to form the basis of this alliance.This trio of geopolitical adventurers long and understandably hoped for Trump’s support, who had also long promoted profitable economic cooperation with Russia and, with allies like Orbán, sought to weaken European Union unity.However, Trump began losing faith in Putin and had long set his sights on the European energy market himself. Orbán’s pleas for an “exception” proved useless. Now the trio will be used by Trump only to irritate European leaders if needed, but nothing more. The main goal — access to cheap Russian energy, which was supposed to be a key argument for Orbán’s and Fico’s voters in any election — Trump did not grant.And it makes sense. As Trump would say, “Orbán has nothing to offer.” He will still provide verbal support to Trump, and now even more eagerly, because lackeys work harder when they are despised.SourceAbout the author. Serhiy Taran, political analyst.The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.