Hungary’s Viktor Orbán Arrives for ‘Peace Mission’ in Russia
by Frances Martel
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Moscow, days after a similar visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Kremlin offered Orbán a cordial reception, just as Kyiv did less than a week ago, but leaders in the European Union issued statements appearing to indicate disapproval of Orbán’s travels. Orbán, who currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, has described his travel as a “peace mission” intended to “clarify the facts” between Zelensky and Putin, hoping to carve out space for direct talks between the two countries.
In his public remarks alongside Orbán, Putin described his decision to invade Ukraine as “the largest European crisis” and declared himself at Orbán’s “disposal” to help him in his capacity leading the European Council.
He offered some criticism independent of Ukraine, however, lamenting that direct trade between Hungary and Russia had declined – likely a product of Orbán courting a massive amount of Chinese investment.
“I know that this time you have come not only as our long-standing partner, but also as the President of the Council of the European Union,” Putin said. “I hope we will have the opportunity to exchange views on building bilateral relations in this difficult situation and, of course, to discuss the possible scenarios for the largest European crisis – I am referring to Ukraine.”
“I hope you will acquaint me with your personal stance and the stance of the European partners,” Putin continued, according to a translation of his remarks by the Kremlin. “As for bilateral relations, unfortunately, we have seen a serious decline in trade, by more than 35 percent. But in general, there is much to work on. We are implementing ambitious projects.”
“In any case, we are delighted to see you and we have much to discuss,” he concluded.
Orbán, according to the Kremlin, emphasized how often the two have met in person – 11 times in the past decade, over once a year – and thanked Putin for entertaining his visit.
“I am very grateful to you for agreeing to see me even in such a difficult situation,” Orbán was quoted as saying. “I must tell you that the number of countries that can talk to both sides of this conflict is rapidly declining. Hungary will probably be the only country in Europe soon that will be able to talk to all parties.”