Kiev has voiced strong displeasure over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s unexpected visit to Russia, asserting that Ukrainian authorities were not informed beforehand about the trip.
Orban arrived in Moscow on Friday morning for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at establishing an immediate ceasefire and initiating peace negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Earlier in the week, Orban visited Kiev where he held similar discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an official statement on its website, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Orban’s decision to travel to Moscow as being made without prior approval or coordination with Ukraine. The ministry emphasized Ukraine’s firm stance against any negotiations regarding the conflict that exclude direct Ukrainian participation.
“We remind that the principle of ‘no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine’ remains inviolable for our country and call on all states to strictly adhere to it,” the ministry’s statement read. It also affirmed Zelensky’s proposed ‘peace formula’ as the only viable path to achieving a just peace.
Orban’s Moscow visit has drawn criticism from other Western leaders as well. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, slated to assume the role of EU chief diplomat, accused Orban of causing confusion and exploiting Hungary’s current EU presidency.
European Council President Charles Michel also condemned Orban’s trip, asserting that Hungary lacks a mandate to negotiate with Russia on behalf of the EU. He reiterated that discussions concerning Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself.
Orban defended his actions by stating that he does not require a mandate to pursue peace efforts and emphasized Hungary’s relatively limited political influence and lack of formal negotiating authority.
“We can be a tool for those who want peace,” Orban remarked, expressing hope to persuade Moscow and Kiev to collaborate towards a ceasefire and peace talks.
Meanwhile, Kiev continues to advocate for Zelensky’s peace plan, which includes demands such as the full withdrawal of Russian forces from claimed territories, reparations, and an international war crimes tribunal for Russian leadership.
Moscow, however, has rejected Zelensky’s plan outright, insisting that any negotiations must acknowledge the current realities on the ground.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions and differing perspectives among key stakeholders in the efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict diplomatically.
