Hungarian Prime Minister Orban met with Putin in Russia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with President Vladimir Putin in Russia as part of the initiative he called the ‘peace mission.’ Orban, who surprised by visiting the Ukrainian capital Kiev on July 2 and meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arrived in Moscow today, defining it as the ‘second stop of the peace mission.’ Despite facing criticism from European Union officials for the ‘peace mission’ he initiated shortly after Hungary took over the EU Presidency, Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
Before the meeting, Putin shook hands with Orban and stated, ‘This time I see you not only as a long-term partner but also as the President of the EU Presidency.’ During the open part of the meeting, Putin expressed hope for exchanging views on bilateral relations and the perspectives of the developments in Ukraine, which is the biggest crisis in Europe. Orban thanked Putin for meeting with him ‘even in such challenging circumstances,’ and expressed that Hungary will soon become the only country in Europe that can talk to all sides of the conflict.
Reacting to the news, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Orban does not represent the EU in any way during his visit to Moscow. Borrell emphasized that Orban did not receive any authorization from the EU Council for his visit to Moscow, saying, ‘The EU’s position on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is reflected in many of the conclusions adopted by the European Council. Therefore, the Hungarian Prime Minister does not represent the EU in any way.’ Borrell also reminded that Putin has been accused by the International Criminal Court and there is an arrest warrant against him.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a post on social media, stated, ‘Putin cannot be stopped by making concessions. Only unity and determination will pave the way for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in Ukraine.’ Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda commented on Orban’s visit to Moscow, saying, ‘Orban’s unilateral decision to go to Moscow does not represent or shape the EU’s position in any way. This also undermines the credibility of Hungary’s EU Presidency. If you really want peace, you do not shake hands with a bloody dictator; you dedicate all efforts to support Ukraine.’
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who supported Orban, stated that a military solution to the war in Ukraine is not possible. Sarkozy said, ‘Peace can only be achieved through diplomatic negotiations. Ultimately, the decision will be made by the parties. But the first step should be the reestablishment of communication channels. The Hungarian Prime Minister is doing the right thing by working on this issue.’ The Hungarian press wrote that Viktor Orban offended Brussels’ honor with his ‘one-man peace mission.’