Hungarian PM Orban's Peace Mission to Moscow Sparks EU Controversy Amid Putin's Stance on Ukraine

Jul 5, 2024, 02:01 PM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking significant controversy among EU leaders. Orban, who has been seen as pro-Russian, aims to discuss the Ukraine conflict and explore potential pathways to peace. However, Putin has reiterated his stance against a negotiated ceasefire, emphasizing the need for irreversible steps from Ukraine. Orban's visit, which was flagged to NATO in advance, has been criticized for undermining EU unity and diplomatic protocol. Despite the backlash, Orban insists his mission is to work towards peace, having previously met with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Putin expressed readiness to discuss the nuances of the conflict and reiterated his proposals for ending the war. The White House has also voiced concerns about Orban's visit, questioning its potential to advance peace in Ukraine.