Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán visits Ukraine for peace talks with Zelenskyy amid Russian invasion

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a significant visit to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking his first visit to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The main focus of the meeting was on building peace as Ukraine continues to resist Russia's invasion. Orbán's visit is seen as a rare gesture in a historically tense relationship, as he has been known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest EU ally, often obstructing EU efforts to aid Ukraine and sanction Moscow. Orbán's visit to Kyiv comes shortly after Hungary assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, a position that holds symbolic importance in setting the bloc's agenda. Despite concerns about Hungary's democratic track record, officials have indicated they will act as "honest brokers" during their presidency. Orbán's visit also coincides with his efforts to form a new nationalist alliance in the European Parliament, aiming to attract right-wing parties across Europe. During the talks in Kyiv, Orbán emphasized the importance of the war in Ukraine as Europe's most critical issue and recommended an immediate ceasefire. While Orbán has previously criticized Ukraine and withheld support, he expressed openness to improving relations and addressing the concerns of the ethnic Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Zelenskyy acknowledged Hungary's humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees and discussed further collaboration, including the establishment of a Ukrainian school in Hungary for refugees. Orbán's visit to Ukraine signals a potential shift in bilateral relations and a willingness to engage constructively in addressing the ongoing conflict. Despite past tensions and Orbán's alignment with Putin, the talks in Kyiv suggest a new phase of dialogue and cooperation between Hungary and Ukraine, with a focus on peacebuilding efforts and support for those affected by the war.