Orban's unexpected visit to Russia ignites firestorm of controversy within EU

(MENAFN) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's unexpected visit to Russia has ignited a firestorm of controversy within the European Union, eliciting strong reactions from fellow European Union leaders following his recent unannounced trip to Ukraine. Orban, who currently holds Hungary's rotating European Union presidency, has defended his actions by asserting that promoting peace does not require a mandate from Brussels, despite widespread criticism.

Orban's visit to Moscow, characterized as a 'peace mission,' aimed to initiate dialogue towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. Criticizing Western military support for Ukraine, Orban emphasized the need for direct engagement rather than passive observation from European Union headquarters in Brussels.

Before meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Orban underscored the necessity of proactive diplomacy, stating, "We cannot sit back and wait for the war to miraculously end." His earlier visit to Kiev, where he proposed a ceasefire as a crucial first step towards peace, met with resistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Orban, Zelensky maintains that only a military victory can secure a just peace, highlighting divergent views on resolving the conflict.

Orban's diplomatic actions, viewed as independent of European Union consensus, raise questions about Hungary's role within the European Union and its presidency responsibilities. The controversy surrounding his visits underscores tensions over European Union unity in managing external relations and navigating sensitive geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine crisis. The repercussions of Orban's diplomatic maneuvers are likely to resonate within European Union institutions and among member states, shaping debates on sovereignty, diplomacy, and European solidarity in times of international crisis.AD MORE: Putin calls for ‘complete end’ to Ukraine conflict

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