Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has recently stirred controversy within the European Union with his diplomatic maneuvers. Following a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Orban claimed that Trump has detailed plans to negotiate peace in Ukraine if he wins the 2024 elections. Orban urged the EU to reconsider its stance on the Ukraine conflict and to engage in direct diplomatic relations with Russia.
Orban's proposals were met with resistance from European leaders. European Council President Charles Michel rejected Orban's suggestions, reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine. Michel emphasized that any discussions about Ukraine's future must involve Ukraine directly and be based on international law and the UN Charter.
Orban has also suggested involving China as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism, as China would only consider mediation if success seemed almost certain. The EU has maintained contact with China in its peace efforts but remains cautious about China's role.
Orban's actions have not only drawn criticism from EU leaders but also from members of the European Parliament. Over 60 MEPs have accused Orban of exploiting his position as the President of the EU Council to push a political agenda that contradicts common EU positions. They have called for Hungary's voting rights in the European Council to be withdrawn.
The Hungarian Prime Minister's recent visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin further exacerbated tensions. Orban's solo diplomatic efforts, labeled as a 'peace mission,' were not approved by the EU and have led to calls for boycotting a forthcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Budapest. Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, is considering holding a simultaneous meeting in Brussels to prevent ministers from attending the Budapest meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also criticized Orban's actions, asserting that not all heads of state have the authority to negotiate on such critical issues. Zelensky emphasized that negotiations must be backed by significant power and influence, which Orban's solo efforts lack.
