Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged European Council President Charles Michel to restore diplomatic ties with Russia, according to a letter obtained by German newspaper Bild. Orban’s recent visits to Ukraine, Russia, China, and the U.S. as part of a “peace mission” have stirred controversy in Brussels.
Orban’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have upset EU leaders, leading to EU officials boycotting meetings in Hungary. Orban predicts a worsening of the conflict in Ukraine and speculates that U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump could mediate peace if elected.
In his letter to Michel, Orban also suggests a shift in financial burden for supporting Ukraine if Trump wins the election and advocates for engaging China in peace efforts. He believes the EU has lost respect globally due to its stance on Ukraine.
The EU has imposed numerous sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, but Hungary has hindered the bloc’s attempts to penalize Moscow. Orban’s letter hints at possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine by 2024.
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