Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Moscow on Friday, emphasizing the need for a more proactive effort to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine. He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 5, following his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite doubts from his Western allies, Orban expressed his desire to engage with both sides in an attempt to understand the perspectives of all involved and establish new diplomatic channels to resolve the conflict.
Orban’s visit to Moscow marked the first time a European leader had engaged in talks with Putin since Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s visit in April 2022. While the Kremlin viewed Orban’s visit as a positive step towards peace talks, the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) criticized his efforts, fearing that they could embolden Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of unity and determination in achieving a comprehensive and just peace in Ukraine, opposing any appeasement of Russia. The White House also expressed concerns about Orban’s visit to Moscow, urging Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine and withdraw its troops.
Despite facing opposition from his allies, Orban emphasized the necessity of dialogue in resolving the conflict, stating that peace cannot be achieved without active engagement. As the current rotating president of the EU, he vowed to use his position to facilitate discussions between Russia and Ukraine within the EU member states.
Orban’s visit to Moscow came shortly after proposing a ceasefire to Zelenskyy, indicating his willingness to explore peaceful solutions. While Putin blamed Ukraine’s supporters for prolonging the conflict, he reiterated Russia’s openness to diplomatic negotiations. Despite the challenges ahead, Orban remains committed to pursuing dialogue and seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
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