U.S. Vice President JD Vance will travel to Hungary on 7 to 8 April to meet Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the White House said Thursday, days before elections that could determine the nationalist leader’s political future.

Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, will also “deliver remarks on the rich partnership between the United States and Hungary,” the White House said.

Orban, a pro-Russian leader with close ties to President Donald Trump’s administration, faces his strongest challenge in years. If his party wins the April 12 vote, he would secure a fifth consecutive term.

But independent polls show conservative challenger Peter Magyar ahead.

Trump last month endorsed Orban, calling him a “strong leader” who defends national sovereignty and values.

The visit follows a mid-February trip to Hungary by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Since returning to power in 2010, Orban has frequently clashed with the European Union, including over his government’s ties to Moscow. Hungary has used its veto to delay EU sanctions on Russia and block aid to Ukraine.

If Magyar and his TISZA party win, he is expected to improve ties with the EU and unlock billions of euros in frozen funds tied to rule-of-law concerns.