Orban calls on Zelenskyi to swift ceasefire with Russia during visit to Kiev
Orban asked Ukrainian President Zelensky during a joint press conference that they consider "the possibility of a ceasefire being implemented quickly". Such a ceasefire would be "temporarily limited and would allow peace negotiations to be accelerated".
Despite the ongoing Russian armed conflict for more than two years, Orban maintains close relations with Moscow. He has repeatedly delayed EU sanctions against Russia and financial aid for Kiev. Moreover, he criticized the EU's accession talks with Ukraine. In October 2023, Orban met with Putin at a summit in Beijing, marking the first EU state or government leader meeting with Putin since the war began.
Preparations for Orban's visit to Zelensky had been ongoing for months, according to Ukrainian government sources. In contrast, other EU state and government heads and representatives of other Western allies of Ukraine make regular solidarity visits to Kiev.
Orban took over the EU Council Presidency on a rotating basis on Monday. He stated that he would report to the EU heads of state and government about his talks with Zelensky, allowing the EU to make "necessary decisions".
Zelensky said on Tuesday that Orban's visit to Kiev demonstrated "shared European priorities", aiming to bring "a just peace to Ukraine and all of Europe". He also urged the EU to maintain its support for his country. "It is very 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 the Russian terror," Zelensky stated.
In his evening video message, Zelensky invited Orban to join the peace efforts of Ukraine and its allies. He also informed Orban about the achievements at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland in mid-June and the preparation of a "second peace summit".
The relationship between Orban and Zelensky has been extremely tense since the war began. In a speech after his re-election in April 2022, Orban listed Zelensky among his "enemies". Zelensky, in turn, repeatedly criticized Orban for his lack of support for Ukraine.
Orban and Zelensky briefly met at the inauguration of Argentine President Javier Milei in December. According to Zelensky, they had an "open" conversation. Internet videos circulated showing the heated exchange between Orban and Zelensky, with Orban with his back to the wall. Similar images emerged after a brief encounter at the EU summit in Brussels the previous week.
The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that little was expected from Orban's visit to Kiev. Russia has been attacking Ukraine daily since the beginning of its armed conflict in February 2022. On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the destruction of five Ukrainian combat aircraft. Five operational SU-27 jets were destroyed at a nearby airbase near the central Ukrainian city of Myrgorod, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Two more jets were damaged.
Ukraine initially did not issue an official statement regarding the Russian claims. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk labeled them "Propaganda".
So far, combat aircraft have seen limited use in the Ukraine conflict. Kiev is hoping for the delivery of F-16 combat jets from the West. Several NATO countries have pledged F-16 deliveries and trained Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft model. The first F-16 jets, for instance, from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, are expected to be delivered soon. Russia has already announced plans to destroy these specifically.
- Despite Orban's close relations with Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky urged him during a joint press conference to consider a quick implementation of a ceasefire.
- Orban is set to visit Kiev, a move that has been criticized by some in Europe due to his past actions towards Ukraine and Russia.
- Selensky emphasized the importance of the EU's continued support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of defense against Russia.
- During his time as EU Council President, Orban will report back to EU heads of state and government about his talks with Selensky in Kiev.
- Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has not had a meeting with an EU state or government leader since the war in Ukraine began, until Orban's trip to Beijing in October 2023.
- Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, criticized the EU's accession talks with Ukraine and has delayed EU sanctions against Russia.
- Selensky invited Orban to join the peace efforts of Ukraine and its allies, a gesture that was met with skepticism in Moscow.
- The delivery of F-16 combat jets from the West to Ukraine is a contentious issue, with Russia threatening to destroy these specific aircraft.
