Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is facing scrutiny from other EU leaders for his reported meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This comes as Orban, holding the EU rotating presidency, maintains close ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.
European Council President Charles Michel emphasized that Orban lacks the mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU, prompting calls for clarification from Polish PM Donald Tusk. Media reports suggest that the meeting will take place, with Hungarian officials confirming the news.
Orban’s recent visit to Kyiv, proposing a quick ceasefire for peace negotiations, received mixed reactions. While he has criticized Western support for Ukraine in the past, speculation about his Moscow visit coincides with Putin expressing willingness to negotiate with Kyiv under tough conditions.
Despite frosty relations with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Orban’s pivotal role in the European Council grants him influence in shaping Europe’s stance on the Ukraine crisis. As tensions persist, Orban’s actions and statements will be closely watched in the months ahead.