By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies

In a move stirring significant controversy, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday. The visit, part of what Orban described as a “peace mission,” has been heavily criticised by both EU leaders and Ukraine’s government.

Orban’s “Peace Mission”

The meeting in Moscow occurred just three days after Orban visited Kyiv, where he met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Orban, who has maintained close ties with the Kremlin even after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that his mission aimed to restore dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.

“Hungary is committed to facilitating peace,” Orban said after the meeting, which lasted several hours. “Many steps are needed to end the war, but we took the first step to restore dialogue.” However, he acknowledged that Russia and Ukraine remain “far apart” in their views on achieving peace.

Putin described the discussions as “frank and useful” and reiterated a controversial proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from regions in the south and east, areas Russia claims to have annexed, despite not currently occupying all of them.

Reactions from Ukraine and the EU

Zelensky has consistently maintained that Ukraine will not engage in negotiations with Russia until all occupied territories, including Crimea, are vacated by Russian forces. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reiterated this stance, stating, “The principle of ‘no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine’ remains inviolable.”

European leaders have also condemned Orban’s visit. European Council President Charles Michel asserted on X (formerly Twitter), “The EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU. The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the victim. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.”

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, stating, “Appeasement will not stop Putin.”

The Context of Orban’s Actions

Hungary recently assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Despite this position, EU leaders stressed that Orban’s actions in Moscow were not representative of the bloc. Orban has been the EU’s sole head of government to maintain close relations with Russia post-invasion, positioning himself as a unique and controversial figure in European politics.

Earlier this week, during his visit to Kyiv, Orban suggested that a quick ceasefire could expedite peace negotiations. However, Zelensky did not publicly respond to this proposal, and the body language between the two leaders during their joint appearance was notably cold.

Orban’s Stance on the Conflict

Orban has been a vocal critic of Western support for Ukraine and has previously impeded a €50 billion EU aid package intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He has repeatedly stated that Ukraine cannot win on the battlefield due to Russia’s superior resources and manpower.

This perspective contrasts sharply with the views of many Ukrainians, who fear that a ceasefire would only solidify Russia’s control over seized territories. They prefer to enter negotiations from a position of strength rather than vulnerability.

Implications for the EU

For the next six months, Orban’s role as the head of the Council of the European Union grants him significant influence. His recent actions underscore the complexities and divisions within the EU regarding the approach to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As Orban navigates this contentious landscape, his leadership will undoubtedly be scrutinized both within Europe and globally.

Conclusion

Viktor Orban’s visit to Moscow has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the ongoing tensions within the European Union regarding its stance on Russia and the Ukraine conflict. As Hungary leads the Council of the European Union, the impact of Orban’s actions and rhetoric will be critical in shaping the bloc’s future policies and unity in addressing one of the most pressing geopolitical crises of our time.