Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Russia has ignited a debate about his intentions and the potential impact on Ukraine’s war efforts. Orban met with President Vladimir Putin shortly after Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, raising concerns about his possible influence on EU policies.
Orban’s trip was framed as a peace mission, with the Hungarian leader stating, “You cannot make peace from a comfortable armchair in Brussels. Even if the rotating EU-Presidency has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU, we cannot sit back and wait for the war to miraculously end. We will serve as an important tool in making the first steps towards peace. This is what our peace mission is about.” His comments underscore a proactive stance on achieving peace, contrasting with the more cautious approach of other EU leaders.
While in Ukraine, Orban urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider a ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations with Russia. He believes halting hostilities could accelerate diplomatic efforts. However, this suggestion clashes with Zelensky’s firm 10-point peace plan, which insists on Russian withdrawal before any ceasefire, a position supported by both the EU and the U.S.
After meeting with Putin, Orban tweeted, “I have concluded my talks in Moscow with President Putin. My goal was to open the channels of direct communication and start a dialogue on the shortest road to peace. Mission accomplished! To be continued on Monday.” This message has been met with skepticism by some EU and NATO members, who view Orban’s actions as potentially undermining the unified stance against Russia.
Critics argue that Orban’s visit may signal a closer alignment with Putin, rather than a commitment to EU and NATO principles. They fear his approach could jeopardize Ukraine’s call for international support, giving Russia a chance to strengthen its military position. The prevailing sentiment among EU and U.S. leaders is to let Zelensky lead the peace process, ensuring any ceasefire is on terms favorable to Ukraine.
Orban’s initiative has sparked a wide range of reactions, highlighting the complexities of balancing diplomacy and support for Ukraine. While some see his efforts as a step towards peace, others view them as a risky move that could compromise Ukraine’s defense.
