Orban calls on Zelenskyi in Kiev for a swift ceasefire with Russia
Selenskyj greeted the Hungarian Prime Minister, stressing that "my country needs a 'just peace'." Orban's visit to Kiev demonstrates "shared European priorities," adding that "Ukraine and all of Europe need a just peace."
Simultaneously, the Ukrainian leader called on the EU to maintain its support for his country. It's "extremely important for all of us in Europe that the EU's support for Ukraine remains at an adequate level, including in terms of our defense against Russian terror," Selenskyj stated.
Hungary assumed the EU Council Presidency on a rotating basis on Monday. Despite the ongoing Russian armed conflict for over two years, Orban maintains close ties with Moscow. Orban has delayed EU sanctions against Russia and financial aid for Kiev on multiple occasions. Furthermore, he criticized the EU's opening of accession talks with Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian government sources, preparations for Orban's visit to Selenskyj had been underway for months. In contrast, other EU heads of state and government and representatives of other Western allies of Ukraine make regular solidarity visits to Kiev.
Selenskyj expressed his desire for a 'ceasefire' in the Russian-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for a 'just peace'. Orban, during his visit to Kiev, reiterated the shared 'European priorities' for peace in Ukraine. Despite the EU's support for Ukraine, Selenskyj urged the EU to maintain its aid, especially in defense against Russia. Orban, as the Hungarian Prime Minister, has been critiqued for delaying EU sanctions against Russia and financial aid for Ukraine. Viktor Orban, while in Kiev, also criticized the EU's initiation of accession talks with Ukraine.
