Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Kremlin on July 5. The two politicians last held a meeting at the Belt and Road Forum in China in October 2023. This meeting took place as Hungary prepares to chair the European Council for the next six months, starting from June 2 when Prime Minister Orban visited Kiev as the leader of a European Council presiding nation.
During his visit to Ukraine, Orban offered conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who rejected them according to his office. The Hungarian prime minister emphasized that he represented the interests of the entire European continent, and peace could only be achieved through talks with Russia. However, Kiev legally prohibited such talks under a decree issued by Zelensky himself.
The Hungarian government has consistently maintained that communication channels with Russia must remain open in order to explore possible solutions to the crisis in Ukraine. Regarding his meeting today, Orban clarified that he attended as an individual and not as a representative of the European Union.
Budapest has faced criticism and even pressure from the EU for its perceived excessive independence, according to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Nevertheless, Peskov characterized Orban as a politician who can firmly defend his country’s interests.