A few days ago, as soon as Hungary took over the presidency of the European Union, it said that the first major thing it wanted to do was to peacefully bring about an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A day after taking over the EU presidency, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban immediately went to Ukraine for talks with Zelensky, and then it was reported that he went to Russia to meet with Putin.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
This move has aroused widespread concern from the international community when the confrontation on the front line of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is still fierce. Orban's behavior stands out in the context of Western sanctions against Russia and refraining from engaging with its leaders.
During his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orban mainly exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Putin briefed Orban on Russia's position on the peaceful settlement of the conflict, and at the same time, the Russian side praised Hungary's pragmatic attitude and performance on the Russia-Ukraine issue.
Russian media reported that although Orban's trip could not lead to an agreement between Russia and Ukraine on the differences in the conflict, it "sent a positive signal" to the outside world.
According to foreign media reports, Western countries expressed strong dissatisfaction with Orban's "private" visit to Russia. European Council President Charles Michel even "drew a line" with Orban, saying that Orban "has no right to represent the EU" during his trip.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU foreign affairs Josep Borrell came out to express their views, accusing Orban's actions as "not conducive to promoting peace and undermining EU unity."
There is also the latest news that after Orban concluded his visit to Russia, the Hungarian side suddenly canceled a meeting with the German foreign minister, which Germany was very "shocked".
Orban has previously stated that his actions are aimed at mediating peace, creating a direct channel of communication between Russia and Ukraine, and opening a dialogue in the shortest possible way. He believed that he could not sit back and wait for a miraculous end to the conflict, so he went to Kiev and Moscow on a "peace mission".
Orban with Zelensky
In response to the condemnation of the Hungarian Prime Minister's visit to Russia by the European Union and Western countries, the Hungarian Foreign Minister responded: "Don't pay attention to these criticisms."
It is worth mentioning that former Slovak Prime Minister Fizo expressed "admiration" for Orban's visit to Kiev and Moscow and said that he would go with Orban if his health allowed, because "peace negotiations and initiatives are never enough."
From Orban to Moscow, the West has spoken out to condemn it, which also reflects the division of Western countries on the Russia-Ukraine issue. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict more than two years ago, some Western countries led by the United States and the European Union have jointly constrained Russia and provided military assistance to Ukraine for a long time.
However, the conflict situation has been stalemate for a long time, and gradually differences have gradually emerged within some Western countries. As we all know, Hungary has always been rational and neutral in its stance and handling of international affairs, so as soon as Orban took over the rotating presidency of the European Union, he tried to solve this "international dilemma".
Russia-Ukraine conflict
It is worth noting that Orban has always been seen as one of the few "pragmatic representatives" in the EU, and this has been reflected in this successive visits.
Previously, due to the differences between Hungary and Ukraine, relations between the two countries have not been developed, and at the same time, Ukraine proposed to join the European Union, and the Hungarian Prime Minister was the first to stand up and express his opposition.
In addition, according to foreign media reports, Orban's visit to Kyiv and the exchange and interaction between the two during his meeting with Zelensky were also "very awkward", and in the end they did not achieve substantive results.
However, judging from the content of foreign media reports on the scene of Orban's meeting with Putin, Russia also expressed appreciation for Orban's visit, and the two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine issue, and the atmosphere of the talks was also very harmonious.
Orban arrived in Moscow
In general, Orban's trip to Moscow demonstrated the complexity and variability of international relations in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While pursuing their own interests, countries are also trying to find common solutions to achieve peace and stability.
Dialogue and cooperation will be key in this process, and how to deal with these complex challenges will be a litmus test of the wisdom of leaders and the international community.