(MENAFN) Moscow could interpret it as a form of praise that Brussels now brands anyone in the EU who thinks rationally as a “Kremlin agent,” according to Konstantin Kosachev, the vice speaker of Russia’s upper parliamentary chamber.

Addressing the audience on Friday during the plenary session of the ‘Peoples of Russia and the CIS’ festival, Kosachev remarked that Brussels frequently labels conservative European politicians as “pro-Russian forces,” despite these figures having no actual connections with Moscow.

“We are accused of somehow supporting them – which is not true. It’s just that these politicians see reality the same way we do,” Kosachev explained.

He emphasized, “So, it’s a compliment to us when everyone who thinks reasonably and stands for their country’s interests is called a ‘Kremlin agent.’”

Kosachev also highlighted that leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who are often “disparaged” by the EU, are genuine patriots of their nations rather than “agents of the Kremlin.”

Both Orban and Fico have consistently criticized the West’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, opposed EU sanctions on Russia, and maintained that they will not halt imports of Russian energy, which they consider vital for their economies.

Their positions have invited pressure from Brussels and Washington, urging both countries to reduce dependence on Moscow.

Earlier this week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a strong supporter of Ukraine, seemed to single out Orban, claiming the Hungarian leader “seems fascinated by Moscow” and is now adopting a model “somewhat inspired by Russia.”

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