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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a rare visit to Moscow on Friday to discuss the potential for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This visit drew criticism from Kyiv and other European leaders. Orbán's trip to Russia followed an unannounced visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested that Ukraine consider a immediate cease-fire with Russia.
Orbán stated that Hungary is becoming one of the few countries in Europe that can communicate with both warring sides.
He also assumed the rotating presidency of the EU at the beginning of July.
Putin suggested that Orbán had come to Moscow as a top representative of the European Council, but this was dismissed by several top European officials who said Orbán had no mandate for anything beyond discussing bilateral relations.
After the Kremlin talks, Orbán mentioned that he emphasized the need for peace in Europe and asked Putin for his thoughts on existing peace plans and the possibility of a cease-fire preceding potential peace talks.
Putin, standing alongside Orbán, stated that Russia would not accept a cease-fire or temporary break in hostilities that would allow Ukraine to regain strength.
He also reiterated the demand for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from regions claimed by Moscow in 2022 as a condition for peace talks, a demand rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies.
Putin also mentioned that they discussed the current state of Russia-EU relations, which he described as being at their lowest point.
Hungary, having recently taken over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council, has the opportunity to shape the bloc’s policy agenda.
