Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sparked controversy by meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, despite the European Union's firm stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The visit has drawn sharp criticism from senior EU officials, who emphasize that Orban does not have a mandate to negotiate on behalf of the Union.
Charles Michel, President of the Council of Europe, highlighted that the rotating presidency does not grant Hungary the authority to engage in talks with Russia on the EU's behalf. Similarly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that discussions on Ukraine cannot take place without Ukraine's involvement.
European Foreign Minister Joseph Borrell reiterated that Orban's trip falls within Hungary's bilateral relations with Russia and does not represent the EU's official position. The EU has consistently opposed any contact with Putin, especially given the International Criminal Court's charges against him for crimes in Ukraine.
Orban's visit to Moscow, which he described as a peace mission, has been condemned by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. They criticized the lack of coordination with Ukraine and reaffirmed that no agreements on Ukraine should be made without its involvement.
Despite the backlash, Orban defended his actions, arguing that peace cannot be achieved from a 'comfortable armchair in Brussels.' He emphasized the need for proactive steps towards peace, even though Hungary's EU Council Presidency does not grant him a mandate for such negotiations.
Orban's relationship with Putin has been a point of contention within the EU. He has previously slowed down sanctions against Russia and opposed aid to Ukraine. His recent visit to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was also seen as an attempt to position himself as a mediator in the ongoing conflict.
- The European Union's External Action Service has distanced itself from Orban's visit, stating that Hungary's presidency of the EU Council does not involve external representation of the Union. The official EU stance remains against any contact with Putin.
- The criticism extends beyond the EU, with Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, reinforcing that Orban's actions do not reflect the EU's position. Scholz reiterated the EU's condemnation of Putin's war and its solidarity with Ukraine.
- The Hungarian Prime Minister's trip to Moscow, described as taking place in a 'good atmosphere,' focused primarily on discussions about Ukraine. However, the EU and Ukraine have both condemned the visit, emphasizing that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine directly.
