Hungary’s Orbán makes surprise visit to China to discuss prospects for peaceful settlement in Ukraine

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has embarked on a surprise visit to China following recent trips to Russia and Ukraine, aiming to discuss the potential for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. Dubbed as "Peace mission 3.0," Orbán shared a photo on social media upon his arrival in Beijing, where he was welcomed by Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and other officials. Subsequently, Orbán held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. This unexpected visit comes after Orbán's visits to Moscow and Kyiv, where he suggested Ukraine consider an immediate cease-fire with Russia, drawing criticism from Kyiv and European leaders. Orbán's diplomatic efforts have positioned Hungary as a key intermediary capable of engaging with all parties involved in the conflict, with Orbán stating that Hungary is gradually becoming the sole European country able to communicate with all sides. As Hungary assumed the rotating EU presidency in July, Russian President Vladimir Putin implied that Orbán represented the European Council during his visit to Moscow. However, European officials refuted this claim, emphasizing that Orbán's discussions were limited to bilateral relations. Orbán, known for his close ties with Putin, has consistently impeded EU actions supporting Kyiv and imposing sanctions on Moscow, advocating for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine without specifying its implications for the country's territorial integrity and security. Orbán's visit to China underscores his proactive approach to engaging with key global players in search of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Despite facing criticism for his interactions with Russia and diverging from EU and NATO stances on the matter, Orbán's efforts highlight Hungary's evolving role in mediating discussions between conflicting parties. The visit to China marks another significant step in Orbán's diplomatic initiatives, as he navigates complex geopolitical dynamics to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.