MOSCOW: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday drew warnings from fellow European Union (EU)leaders, as he undertakes diplomatic efforts on Ukraine’s conflict.
Orban, currently holding the EU six-month rotating presidency, embarked on this initiative shortly after visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and forming the “Patriots for Europe” alliance with fellow right-wing nationalists.
The meeting in Moscow, described by Orban as a “peace mission,” occurs just days before a pivotal NATO summit focused on augmenting military support for Ukraine against what the alliance deems Russia’s “unprovoked aggression.”
EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have stressed the importance of unity among member states to achieve a durable resolution in Ukraine.
Putin, welcoming Orban to the Kremlin, expressed readiness to discuss peace proposals aimed at ending the longstanding conflict. However, Moscow’s conditions, including Kyiv abandoning NATO aspirations and relinquishing contested territories, have been swiftly dismissed by Ukraine.
Critics within the EU have voiced skepticism over Orban’s independent diplomatic maneuvers, suggesting his actions undermine the bloc’s unified stance. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda condemned the meeting with Putin, accusing Orban of detracting from EU objectives and emphasizing that true efforts for peace should prioritize support for Ukraine.
Despite acknowledging the lack of an EU mandate for his Moscow visit, Orban defended his proactive stance, arguing that resolving conflicts like Ukraine’s requires more than passive diplomacy. His actions, however, have sparked concerns of a power vacuum in Brussels and potential disruptions to EU policy-making processes during Hungary’s presidency.
As Hungary aims to make a significant impact during its presidency, Orban’s maneuvers, including his recent controversial visit to Moscow, underscore ongoing debates within the EU over its approach to Russia and the broader implications for European security and unity.
