The European Council Disapproves of Viktor Orban’s Plan to Speak with Putin

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the current holder of the EU presidency, is in Moscow for talks with Russian President Putin. However, not everyone is pleased with this decision.

Orban recently visited Kiev, Ukraine, before traveling to Moscow for a meeting with President Putin. Following his meeting in Russia, he plans to attend a conference in Azerbaijan. This isn’t the first time Orban has met with Putin, as they previously spoke in Beijing about Chinese investments worldwide last October.

The timing of Orban’s visit to Moscow is noteworthy, especially considering his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Some EU diplomats criticize the visit to Putin, as it goes against current EU policy and may jeopardize EU unity.

Orban responded to the criticism by stating that under Hungary’s EU presidency, they are working towards peace. He is seen as a populist leader and the Kremlin’s only ally in the EU. During his visit to Kiev, he called for a ceasefire without demanding Russian troops leave occupied Ukrainian territory.

Overall, Orban’s visit to Moscow has raised concerns among some EU diplomats and leaders, but he remains committed to his mission for peace as part of Hungary’s EU presidency.