Orban calls positions "far apart"
With his unexpected visit to Kremlin chief Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban outmaneuvers the rest of the EU. On site, they reportedly had an "open and helpful" discussion about the Ukraine war, according to Putin's statements following the meeting. However, Orban himself couldn't recognize that peace is in sight.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held talks in Moscow, according to their own statements, about possible ways for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Putin reportedly conducted an "open and helpful" discussion, stating after the meeting. The topic was about finding "means to resolve the crisis."
Orban, in turn, stated that the positions were "far apart." He added, "Many steps are necessary to end the war and bring peace." Regarding the "resumption of dialogue," Orban stated, "I have taken the first important step with this visit." "I will continue this work."
Putin confirmed after the meeting that Russia is ready for "peace talks" if Ukraine gives up the territories claimed by Moscow. He stated that a "complete withdrawal of all Ukrainian soldiers from the People's Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk and the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson" is necessary. Putin announced the annexation of these regions in September 2022. However, accepting Putin's conditions would amount to a Ukrainian surrender.
Diplomats don't believe Orban
Hungary recently took over the EU Council Presidency. Representatives of other EU countries, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasized that Orban did not represent the EU during his Moscow trip. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Orban, who had no negotiating mandate. "Whoever really wants peace does not shake hands with a blood-stained dictator but supports Ukraine with all their might," wrote Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda on Twitter.
Similarly, NATO, of which Hungary is a member, stated that Orban was traveling in his capacity as Prime Minister of a country and did not represent the Western military alliance. There is no evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for peace.
Orban has increasingly taken a pro-Russian and Ukraine-critical stance. Already in the previous October, he was photographed shaking hands with Putin on the sidelines of a China trip. Other EU governments do not take away Orban's image as a peacemaker. Diplomats say Orban is only interested in continuing to receive favorable Russian gas and oil at competitive prices. Hungarian energy supply is heavily dependent on Russia: 85% of Hungarian gas imports come from Russia; for oil, it is 65%.
Orban's controversial visit to Putin in Moscow raised questions about his political positions towards Ukraine. Despite Putin's claims of an "open and helpful" discussion, Orban acknowledged that the positions were far apart. Addressing the need for peace, Orban stated that many steps were necessary and that he had taken the first important step with his visit, indicating his intention to continue this work.
