Putin, Orban discuss Ukraine, other issues in rare meeting
3 Min Read
As Hungary assumes the presidency of the European bloc, Viktor Orban leads an unpopular peace mission between Ukraine and Russia.
-
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, left, shake hands during a meeting in Moscow, Russia, on July 5, 2024. (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a meeting that angered other European Union member states and the Ukrainian government on Friday.
The two leaders discussed various issues, however, headlining the talks is the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Generally, the EU has boycotted Russian government officials and on this occasion said that Orban threatened to undermine the 27-member bloc's stance on the conflict.
On his part, the Russian President emphasized the positive nature of the talks, saying he hopes that the two parties will have "the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations in this difficult situation."
Putin also said that he looks forward to "talk about the prospects of the largest European crisis, I mean in the Ukrainian direction."
"I am ready to discuss [a peaceful settlement to the conflict] with you and explain some of the nuances. I hope you will also introduce me to your position and that of your European partners," Putin was quoted as saying.
Read more: Russia says its forces took control of district in Chasiv Yar town
Orban's talks with Putin: A rare European occurrence
On the other hand, Orban said he recognizes that "positions are far apart" between the two sides, adding that "the number of steps needed to end the war and bring about peace are many."
The Hungarian leader pointed to a decreasing number of entities that can discuss the situation in Ukraine with both sides of the country.
"Hungary will soon become, apparently, the only country in Europe that will be able to talk to everyone," he stressed.
Orban also said he would discuss a number of other important European issues with Putin.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian officials only knew about the meeting on Wednesday, adding that it was Orban's idea.
According to Peskov, there will be at least two rounds of talks, one in which delegations will discuss bilateral issues and another meeting between the heads of the two states that will last "as long as necessary."
Hungary's Prime Minister arrived in Moscow after visiting Kiev on July 2, in the context of a "peace mission" he is leading.
Read more: EU group may kick out Hungary for refusing to aid Ukraine
Hungary's EU presidency to go against European current
The meeting comes a few days after Hungary took over the EU's rotating presidency, agitating top EU and NATO officials, such as Ursula von der Leyen, Josep Borrell, and Jens Stoltenberg.
Hungary will hold a six-month presidency of the EU, in which it will garner sway over the European bloc's agenda and priorities.
The Hungarian leader on Friday insisted that peace cannot be achieved without dialogue.
"If we just sit in Brussels, we won't be able to get any closer to peace. Action must be taken," Orban said during his regular radio interview.
The visit also marks the first to Moscow by a European leader since a trip by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in April 2022.
Read more: Hungary's Orban says EU wants war with Russia, dragging Europe with it
