Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán arrived in Kyiv Tuesday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his first visit to the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The visit aimed to discuss peace possibilities and bilateral relations between Hungary and Ukraine, a relationship strained by Orbán’s controversial stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Context
Orbán’s visit follows Hungary’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2024. This leadership role comes amid widespread concern over Hungary’s democratic backsliding and its close ties with Russia. Known as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies within the EU, Orban has frequently obstructed the bloc’s efforts to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Moscow.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban gives a joint press conference with Andrej Babis, leader of Czech Republic’s ANO party and former Czech Prime Minister, and the leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl (both…
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban gives a joint press conference with Andrej Babis, leader of Czech Republic’s ANO party and former Czech Prime Minister, and the leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl (both not in picture) in Vienna, Austria, on June 30, 2024.
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Hungarian officials have stated that they will act as “honest brokers” in the EU Council leadership position.
Critics of the Hungarian government say that it has centralized power, restricted media freedom, weakened judicial independence and altered electoral laws in order to benefit the Fidesz party, of which Orbán is the leader.
International bodies, including the EU, have expressed concerns that these actions undermine the principles of democracy.
The bloc has frozen more than $20 billion in funding to Budapest over alleged rule-of-law and corruption violations, according to the Associated Press. Orbán has initiated numerous anti-EU communications campaigns where the body is depicted as repressive and overcentralized.
While Hungary is not the only nation to hold back from condemning the war on Ukraine, it’s stance is very different to many EU and NATO members. It has taken a mostly neutral position, pushing a generic message of peace.
Newsweek has reached out to a representative of the Hungarian government via email for comment.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (R) in the Europa building prior the start of a meeting on June 27, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Orban made a…
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (R) in the Europa building prior the start of a meeting on June 27, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Orban made a surprise visit to Kyiv on July 2 to meet with Zelensky, one day after Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
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What We Know
According to Orbán’s spokesperson, Zoltan Kovacs, who confirmed Orbán was in Kyiv, the focus of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be on achieving peace and addressing issues in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations.
Orbán has criticized Ukraine for what Budapest describes as inadequate protections for the rights of its Hungarian minority, Politico reported.
Newsweek has reached out to a representative of the Ukrainian government via email for comment on the visit.
The visit follows an unofficial meeting between the two leaders on June 27. During the European Council summit in Brussels that day, Orbán and Zelensky were seen having what was described as an animated and frank discussion.
What’s Next
Orbán’s visit could signal a potential thaw in Hungarian-Ukrainian relations, especially as Ukraine continues to push for EU membership and greater support from European allies. As Hungary holds the EU presidency for the next six months, its role could influence the bloc’s policies towards Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. Observers will be watching closely to see if this visit leads to any substantive changes in Hungary’s stance or EU policies.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Publish date : 2024-07-02 06:56:15
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