High-ranking officials from Europe have expressed strong disapproval towards the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, visiting Russia under a self-proclaimed “peace mission” to tackle the Ukraine conflict. This occurred amid Russia’s unwavering insistence for territorial demands dismissed by Ukraine. Despite Hungary assuming the rotating EU presidency this week, officials in Brussels openly voiced that Mr Orban’s Moscow trip was not performed in representation of the European Union.
Mr Orban arrived in Moscow three days subsequent to advising Kyiv to consider peace talks with Russia. He expressed that Hungary would soon be the sole European nation capable of engaging with both parties amidst the escalating conflict.
Mr Orban’s initiation of his conference with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was filled with optimism, as he aimed to discuss crucial matters and understand Russia’s stance on topics pertinent to Europe. President Putin lent a warm welcome to Mr Orban, acknowledging his double role as a long-time associate and the holder of the European Council’s rotating presidency.
Fears have surfaced in numerous EU capitals concerning Mr Orban’s potential hijacking of Hungary’s half-year presidency to prioritise his own plans, thereby disrupting EU unity. Mr Orban’s infamous disapproval of Western imposed sanctions on Russia, robust economic alliances with Moscow, and contentious reforms perceived to be undemocratic and illiberal, have resulted in tension with Brussels.
Charles Michel, president of the European Council, emphasised that the rotating EU presidency does not have the authority to interact with Russia on Europe’s behalf during Mr Orban’s Moscow visit; he labelled Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the victim. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, stressed that appeasing Putin wouldn’t prevent conflicts, rather a collective effort and resolution are essential for procuring an extensive, equitable, and enduring peace for Ukraine.
Several EU nation leaders criticised Mr Orban for advising Ukraine to instigate a ceasefire with Moscow, potentially accelerating peace discussions. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas claimed that Mr Orban’s actions exploited the EU presidency to create confusion and did not reflect the EU or their positions.
President Putin directed Mr Orban towards his recent discourse that elaborated on Moscow’s stance on potential peace settlements, offering to discuss finer details with him at their meeting.
In a discourse given during the previous month, Mr Putin insisted Ukraine surrender five of its territories, and also renounce its aspirations to join NATO — conditions Kyiv rapidly dismissed. “The tenet of ‘no compromise concerning Ukraine without the involvement of Ukraine’ remains unbroken. We urge all nations to respect it,” stated Kyiv’s foreign office this past Friday.