Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán’s recent unscheduled visit to Moscow has drawn criticism from Brussels, with European Council President Charles Michel stating that Orbán has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU. The visit to Moscow has overshadowed Hungary’s priorities during its presidency of the European Council, including migration policies and European defence strategy.
Orbán’s visit to Moscow also contrasts with his previous meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he refused to provide political or military support for Ukraine. Hungarian officials have stated that the government’s policy on the conflict in Ukraine is that both parties need to negotiate for an end to the violence, emphasizing that there is no military solution.
Despite condemning the aggression in Ukraine and expressing support for the country, Hungarian officials reiterated their country’s refusal to provide lethal military equipment to Kyiv, stating that Hungary’s primary responsibility is to protect its own sovereignty. The government emphasized that their role is to ensure the security of Hungary and not to intervene in conflicts in other countries.
Orbán’s visit to Moscow has raised concerns among EU leaders about Hungary’s stance on international conflicts and its role within the European Union. As Hungary navigates its presidency of the European Council, the controversy surrounding Orbán’s visit to Moscow will likely continue to be a point of contention within the EU.
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