Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Moscow, a visit that has sparked significant controversy within the European Union. Orban's trip marks the first visit by an EU leader to Moscow since April 2022 and comes just days after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
During the meeting, Putin reiterated his demands for Ukraine to surrender and withdraw its forces from the regions Russia claims to have annexed. Orban, known for his close ties with Moscow, stated that while the positions of both sides are far apart, he believes that multiple steps are needed to end the conflict and bring peace.
The visit has been heavily criticized by both Ukraine and the EU. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the visit, stating that it was made without any agreement or coordination with Ukraine. They emphasized the principle that no decisions regarding Ukraine should be made without Ukraine's involvement.
EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, also criticized Orban's visit. Von der Leyen stated that appeasement will not stop Putin and stressed the importance of unity and determination for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. Michel affirmed that talks on Ukraine cannot be held without Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Orban had informed NATO of his visit but clarified that Orban did not represent the alliance. The White House also expressed concern, stating that the visit would not advance the cause of peace and was counterproductive to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Orban's visit to Moscow follows his recent trip to Kiev, where he urged the Ukrainian leadership to consider a ceasefire to accelerate peace talks with Russia. This position has been met with resistance from both Ukraine and its Western allies, who insist on the return of pre-2014 Ukrainian territory as part of any peace deal.
The European Union, which has imposed 14 packages of unprecedented sanctions on Moscow, has distanced itself from Orban's visit. The EU's External Action Service clarified that Hungary's presidency of the EU Council does not involve any external representation of the Union and that Orban did not receive a mandate from the EU Council for the visit.
Despite the criticism, Orban maintains that Hungary can play a unique role in communicating with both sides of the conflict. He has positioned himself as a mediator, although his lenient stance towards Moscow has drawn ire from other EU member states.
- The Hungarian government has defended Orban's visit as part of a broader effort to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Orban's press secretary, Zoltan Kovacs, emphasized the importance of Hungary's unique position in communicating with both parties to the conflict.
- Orban's trip to Moscow is seen as a significant diplomatic move, given Hungary's recent assumption of the EU Council presidency. This role gives Hungary authority over the bloc's agenda and setting priorities for the next six months.
- The controversy surrounding Orban's visit underscores the deep divisions within the EU regarding the approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While most EU member states have taken a hardline stance against Russia, Orban has consistently advocated for a more conciliatory approach.
- The visit also highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with various international actors, including NATO and the White House, weighing in on the developments. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the best path forward to achieve a sustainable peace in the region.
