Orban visits Ukraine for the first time since the start of the war
The relations between Ukraine and Hungary are difficult. The pro-Russian stance of Prime Minister Orban does not sit well in Kiev. It appears that Orban is trying to smooth over the waves in a direct exchange with President Zelenskyy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian aggression war almost two years ago. Orban will hold "talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy" in Kiev, his spokesperson Bertalan Havasi told the Hungarian news agency MTI. "The main topic of discussion is the possibility of peace," Havasi added.
Hungary has just taken over the EU Council Presidency. The relations between Ukraine and Hungary are difficult. Orban has repeatedly opposed EU aid for the Russia-attacked country and maintains good relations with the Russian government.
Facing the Ukraine War, Orban hopes for a Donald Trump win as US President. "The US President is the only person in the universe who can make the crucial calls in Kiev and Moscow," Orban added.
It is clear that Russia's attack on Ukraine is "completely unacceptable" and has violated the fundamental principles of international relations. "But it's not about the interests of Ukraine or Russia for me, I want above all for the war to end and for there to be a ceasefire," said the Hungarian Prime Minister. "In the end, it's about a new European security architecture where we can live peacefully."
The Hungarian Prime Minister, who has been in office since 2010, chose the motto "Make Europe great again" for the EU Council Presidency of his country, in reference to Trump's campaign slogan. Hungary will during the Council Presidency advocate for the ending of the Ukraine War, as well as increasing European competitiveness, solving the migration problem, and pushing for EU expansion towards the Western Balkans, Orban said. German MEP Daniel Freund (Greens) said on the other hand that the EU is facing "half a year of stalemate, extortion, or blockade" - above all on the topics of migration, the rule of law, and support for Ukraine.
- Despite Viktor Orban's pro-Russian politics causing tension with Ukraine, he visited Kiev during Hungary's EU Council Presidency, aiming to discuss potential peace agreements.
- Hungary, under Orban's leadership, opposes EU aid for Ukraine, a Russia-attacked country, and maintains good relations with Russia's government, contradicting the EU's stance towards the attack on Ukraine.
- Orban, hoping for a Donald Trump victory to influence negotiations between Kiev and Moscow, stated that a new European security architecture is necessary for a peaceful coexistence, amidst ongoing conflicts and wars.
