Hungary's PM Orban mediating between Russia and Ukraine

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked criticism from EU leaders and Ukraine's government. The meeting, part of what Orban termed a "peace mission," followed his visit to Kyiv to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite Hungary holding the EU presidency, EU leaders emphasized that Orban was not representing the bloc. Orban's close ties with the Kremlin, even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have raised concerns. Following the meeting, Orban stated that Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their views on achieving peace, while Putin described the conversation as "frank and useful." The European Council President, Charles Michel, made it clear that the EU rotating presidency does not have the mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU, emphasizing that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim. Ukraine strongly condemned the visit, asserting the principle of 'no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine.' President Zelensky did not publicly respond to Putin's proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from disputed regions. Orban's visit to Kyiv, his first in 12 years, and subsequent meeting with Putin have drawn attention to his influential role as head of the Council of the European Union for the next six months. Orban's visit to Moscow, planned before his meeting with Zelensky, has caused further unease in Brussels and among EU member states. Despite Orban's efforts to position Hungary as a mediator for peace in Ukraine, his actions have been met with skepticism. The Hungarian leader's alignment with right-wing groups globally and his perceived undermining of European unity and rule of law have raised concerns. With Orban sensing potential geopolitical shifts, his engagements with Putin and Zelensky have implications for European politics and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orban's diplomatic moves, including advocating for a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, have been met with mixed reactions. While some view his actions as attempts to end his isolation on the European stage, others question his motives and alliances. The Hungarian government's close ties with Russia, exemplified by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó's frequent visits and accolades from the Russian government, add complexity to Orban's foreign policy approach amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.