Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow has sparked backlash from EU allies, who see it as undermining peace efforts in Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn sharp criticism from EU allies, who view it as a threat to their united stance against Russia.

Orban, a vocal advocate of a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, has revealed that Putin insists on Ukraine's surrender as a precondition for peace talks.

Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Orban's trip, which came just days before a major NATO summit in Washington, D.C., has raised concerns that Hungary may be undermining the bloc's efforts to support Ukraine and pressure Putin.

European Union Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell swiftly issued a statement emphasizing that Orban had no mandate from the union and was not representing the EU in any capacity.

Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned Orban's visit as "disturbing," accusing him of disregarding the duties of the EU presidency and jeopardizing the European Union's interests.

Orban defended his visit, claiming that he had a "frank conversation" with Putin about Ukraine and that they had discussed "possible ways of resolving" the conflict. However, he admitted that the positions of Kyiv and Moscow remain far apart.

Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry expressed displeasure over Orban's trip, emphasizing that it was made "without any agreement or coordination with Ukraine."

The White House also criticized Orban's visit, labeling it as "counterproductive" for NATO and arguing that it "will not advance the cause of peace."

Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Leaders of NATO member states are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C., next week to discuss the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and strengthen Ukraine's defenses.

The White House has outlined plans to announce new measures to bolster Ukraine's air defenses and military capabilities, aiming to send a clear message to Putin that NATO stands ready to endure the conflict for the long haul.

Orban's Moscow Trip Stirs Controversy Amid Peace Push

Orban's visit has drawn skepticism from EU diplomats, who believe that Hungary is prioritizing its own interests by engaging with Putin.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre have both expressed disapproval of the visit, arguing that it undermines efforts toward peace in Ukraine.