On July 5, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán paid an unexpected visit to the illegitimate President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The leaders of Estonia and the Czech Republic and the Secretary General of NATO made loud statements about this.
Points of attention
- NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized the need to discuss Orbán's visit to Russia at the upcoming summit in Washington.
- Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Fiala firmly stated that the Czech Republic supports Ukraine, opposes Russian aggression and does not recognize the legitimacy of Orban's visit to Moscow.
- Estonian Prime Minister Kallas emphasized the inadmissibility of Orban's interference in EU affairs.
- Orban's visit to Putin caused concern in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, in particular due to an attempt to discuss "a peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine."
- Putin began the meeting with Orban by discussing the issues of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine and indicated that they could discuss all the details of the situation in Ukraine.
Stoltenberg reacted to Orban's visit to Moscow
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reacted to Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow.
He said this at a press conference dedicated to the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.
Stoltenberg reminded the NATO allies that Orbán had previously travelled to Moscow and told them about these trips. The Secretary-General hopes there will be an opportunity to discuss the Hungarian Prime Minister's visit to the Russian Federation at the summit in Washington.
Hungary has informed us of this upcoming visit, and I expect that next week in Washington, there will be an opportunity to discuss the discussions that he (Orbán) had in Moscow, as happens between allies on a regular basis.
Jens Stoltenberg
Secretary General of NATO
He also noted that during his recent visit to Budapest, the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine was discussed.
Hungary has agreed that Russia is responsible for the war, is the perpetrator, and Russia can end this war today and stop attacking Ukraine.
He added that during today's visit to Moscow, Orbán did not represent NATO, only his country.
Fiala made a statement regarding Orbán's visit
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala reacted to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow on July 5. Fiala emphasised that his country is on Ukraine's side.
He wrote about it on the X social network.
Viktor Orbán does not represent our or EU interests in Moscow. Nor does he have any mandate to negotiate on our behalf. The Czech position is clear: Putin is the aggressor, we stand with Ukraine.
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) July 5, 2024
Viktor Orban does not represent our interests or the interests of the EU in Moscow. He also has no mandate to negotiate on our behalf.
He added that the position of the Czech Republic is clear: Putin is an aggressor, and the country is on the side of Ukraine.
Callas also harshly criticised Orban
Estonian Prime Minister Kaia Kallas also reacted to Orban's trip to Russia.
In Moscow, Viktor Orbán does not represent the EU or the EU's position in any way. He uses the position of the head of the European Union to sow confusion. The EU is united, clearly for Ukraine and against Russian aggression.
In Moscow, Viktor Orbán in no way represents the EU or the EU’s positions. He is exploiting the EU presidency position to sow confusion.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 5, 2024
The EU is united, clearly behind Ukraine and against Russian aggression.
Putin decided to discuss "peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine" with Orban
On July 5, the illegitimate President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, met in Moscow with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban.
During the talks between the two "leaders" of the countries, the issue of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine was also raised. Dictator Putin began the meeting by mentioning the request for Kyiv.
The Kremlin dictator said that at the meeting he and Orban will have the opportunity to discuss "all the nuances" of the situation in Ukraine.
At the same time, he emphasized that Orbán came to Moscow in particular as the country's leader presiding over the Council of the EU.
You probably know about my speech to the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs very recently in Moscow. It outlines our position regarding a possible peaceful settlement. And, of course, I am ready to discuss the nuances with you, — said Putin.
