EU leaders have voiced concerns following media reports suggesting that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban might meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday. Orban, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, is the only EU head of state maintaining close ties with the Kremlin after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
European Council President Charles Michel stated that Orban has “no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.” Similarly, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk demanded clarification on the matter. Reports from several media outlets indicated Orban’s potential visit, citing various sources.
The Financial Times reported confirmation from one Hungarian and two EU officials about Orban’s meeting with Putin. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a US-government funded media organization, also quoted a Hungarian government source. They added that Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto would accompany Orban.
Both Hungary and Russia did not immediately respond to BBC’s requests for comment. On Monday, according to AFP news agency, Orban promised “surprising news from surprising places.”
In a post on X, Michel reiterated that the EU rotating presidency lacks the mandate to engage with Russia on the EU’s behalf, emphasizing that “Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.” Tusk also questioned the validity of the visit rumors, addressing Orban directly on social media.
Earlier this week, Orban visited Kyiv, advocating for a “quick ceasefire” to expedite peace negotiations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has had tense relations with Orban, did not publicly respond to the proposal. Many Ukrainians fear a ceasefire would only solidify Russia’s control over occupied territories and believe negotiations should occur from a position of strength.
The speculation about Orban’s Moscow visit coincides with Putin expressing a willingness to negotiate with Kyiv. Nonetheless, the Kremlin’s tough pre-conditions are viewed by Kyiv and its Western allies as demands for Ukraine’s capitulation. Orban has been a vocal critic of Western support for Ukraine and previously delayed a €50bn EU aid package meant for Ukraine’s defense.
Orban’s recent visit to Kyiv, his first in 12 years, saw him avoid media questions during a joint appearance with Zelensky, reflecting their strained relationship. For the next six months, Orban’s role as head of the European Council positions him as a key figure in European politics. He visited Ukraine to resolve past disagreements and focus on future collaboration.