Viktor Orbán’s attempt to act as a mediator with his “peace mission” has ended in failure. During the Hungarian Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow, Vladimir Putin made it clear that the war in Ukraine would end on Russia’s terms. Orbán’s trip thus concluded as a tragicomedy, according to a Hungarian expert on Russian politics.
Viktor Orbán visited Moscow last week as part of his “peace mission”, sparking a significant diplomatic outcry among European politicians. The first stop of the peace mission was Kyiv, which was a success. However, “in Moscow, they made a fool out of Viktor Orbán,” writes András Rácz, a Hungarian expert on Russia, in a recent Facebook post.
Kyiv: A successful stop for the PM
Rácz explains that Orbán’s visit to Kyiv at the beginning of the week, despite being organised rather quickly, was a success. As he puts it in his post, “It is only possible to organise a meeting of heads of state and government in such a short time if both sides really want it – and this time both sides really wanted it.”
Granted, Orbán’s peace plan presented to the Ukrainians was, according to Rácz, “on the level of someone announcing that he has invented hot water.” How realistic is it, the researcher continues, that instead of the key players in international politics, “the Hungarian prime minister will come up with a solution out of the blue, that no one has ever thought of AND it works.” Nonetheless, in a show of diplomacy, “Orbán got to say what he wanted to say, and the Ukrainians did not laugh at him,” writes Rácz.
Perhaps more importantly, Orbán and Zelensky had a lengthy one-on-one conversation, during which they discussed economic issues. While relations between the two leaders remained strained, with no joint press conference and no signing of a joint statement, the meeting signals a possibility that “important things can start happening, from improving the language rights of the Hungarian minority to opening new border crossings. Nothing has been decided, nothing is guaranteed, nothing is set in stone yet – but it’s a good start.”
Photo: FB/Orbán
Moscow: “Halfway between ridiculous and tragic”
Rácz takes a more critical tone on Orbán’s visit to Moscow. The meeting was organised in a similarly short time, but unlike the meeting with Zelensky, the Hungarian government kept it secret from its allies until the last minute. “This attempt at secrecy,” writes Rácz, “has only resulted in one thing: it has seriously damaged the already not very steely European and American image of Hungary and Hungarian foreign policy.”
Moreover, as the expert sees it, Orbán was seriously humiliated by Putin during the meeting at multiple points: at the press conference, Putin was the first to speak, effectively spelling out his terms on Ukraine, “and Orbán sat there, scalded, without a word about his great little ‘peace plan’. In fact, […] Orbán didn’t even talk about his ‘plan’ that he presented in Kyiv.”
“and Orbán sat there, scalded, without a word about his great little ‘peace plan’. In fact, […] Orbán didn’t even talk about his ‘plan’ that he presented in Kyiv.”
But Putin humiliated Orbán right from the beginning. “Putin’s fifth (!) sentence was ‘We are aware that you represent the European Union here’’. This, as Rácz points out, was of course not true, but it did force Orbán into a defensive communication position. In contrast, Putin had an excellent opportunity to convey to his domestic audience, but also to the international community, as the researcher puts it, “See, Russia is not isolated, the Council of the EU’s President is right here.”
Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia on 5 July 2024. Photo: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Benko Vivien Cher
What was the point of the visit to Moscow?
The expert concludes that “the visit to Moscow really did not have any concrete benefits. In Kyiv, a number of quite important things were agreed to start – but nothing of the sort happened in Moscow. It was all for Putin’s benefit.” There is no explanation for the visit to Russia based on any Hungarian national interest. In contrast, Putin was given the opportunity to repeat his ultimatum at the press conference with Orbán.
Rácz lists four possible explanations for the trip:
- Orbán is serving Moscow as a Russian agent against Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO
- Orbán is convinced that the war will end in a Russian victory and total Ukrainian annihilation and is ready to switch his system of values and alliances to be on the winning side at the end of the war.
- Orbán believes that Donald Trump will win the upcoming US presidential election and will be able to bring peace to Ukraine. “Ergo, Orbán will try to look like a prophet, as he did in 2015 during the migration crisis.”
And finally:
“The fourth possible explanation is that the prime minister REALLY believes that he is influential enough that he will actually be able to mediate between the warring parties. Despite the fact that he leads a small, weak country in a catastrophic economic and social situation, utterly divided and completely isolated within its own federal system (the EU Presidency will not change this – especially after the visit to Moscow). This would mean that the Prime Minister is now completely and utterly out of touch with reality. In other words, he has gone mad.”
Read also:
Putin to Orbán: If Ukraine wants peace, it has to capitulate
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12 Comments
Well. At least Mr. Orbán managed to get Mr. Putin to clearly reiterate that he is will accept nothing short of a de facto surrender by Ukraine. And again, the question where Russia´s aspirations stop, once this goal has been achieved. Will Mr. Putin scale back his military? His focused industrial complex? Or … As telegraphed, go after some of the places and spaces he has ordained as “Russian territory”? At least there is one person who does not care about the loss of human life. The Russian way of war – attrition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeB4OLF14lw
Not counting the Ukraine civilian dead … And who would specifically be targeting them? Perhaps Mr. Orbán raised this, as a concerned party)
Last point: I would never ever call Mr. Orbán “mad”. He is a highly skilled politician, albeit a very transactional and self serving one. Every move definitely has a purpose. We may not agree or understand, however I am quite sure his manoeuvring is entirely rational.
The last paragraph of this INFORMATIVE article muchly, puts together the “place” or deepening BLACK Hole, the present Prime Minister of Hungary, and President of the European Union – Victor Mihaly. Orban – factually OCCUPIES.
Orban – has LOST all Respect from ALL – country’s Governed under DEMOCRACY.
Orban, has continues on HIS idiotic process in the Distillation of Democracy in Hungary.
Orban, is a Prime Minister, in “partnership” with his Minister of Finance – Mihaly Varga, a HUMONGOUS failure in his Senior Ministerial Portfolio, an embarrassment in FACT, that the country Hungary – of his Prime ministership – is in ALL the major categories of it’s FUNCTIONALITY – an evaporating, declining Catastrophe.
I “throw in” – to the Victor Mihaly. Orban – the Fidesz Government of Hungary DISCUSSION – that over the period of 15 years – they have been, “through Thunder, Lightening and Rain” – now sinking, after there SCUTTLING worsening of Hungary, that FINDS them, under the rightful place being factually in – exposed to the PRESSURES – the forces of destructible proportions of a Tsunami.
Orban – the Fidesz Government have created – through there “following” – being Lemmings and Gofers – the men & women, embracing FEEDING off and into – the CREED – the Victor Mihaly. Orban “bible” of the Fidesz Party – in the conduct of there personal ministerial positions/portfolios – or Fidesz Party “held” positions of membership, the practices of the Victor Mihaly. Orban – his “ill-fated” Political Ideas & Philosophy – Ideology, his DOGMA – into the “doomed” Government of Hungary.
The “Stand out” – GOFERS – to Putin’s – Russia of the Fidesz Ministry are – number (1) one being the Prime Minister of Hungary, and President of the European Union – Victor Mihaly. Orban and ;
(2) – second : Peter Szajjarto – Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade.
(3) – third being : Mihaly Varga – Finance Minister.
Spillage, of what the thorns bought on Calvary Hill – it is on the heads and hands, that it’s STAINAGE, is Un-removable.
Hungarians – we HAVE been FAILED.
Hungarians – we have been Embarrassed – Humiliated as a country by the “Gofers”.
Hungarians – we have been DELIVERED to this Catastrophe – through and BY – the (3) three Gofers.
Crestfallen – my position.
China – the Orban – Government – relationship / partnership, the CORE of similarities to that with Russia – HORRENDOUS again, as it is with Russia – for the FUTURE of Hungary.
Most of us know the many ways that our current administration has failed us Hungarians. But, rather than labeling our PM as “mad”, like the leaders of some other countries are justly characterized these days, perhaps we should acknowledge that he IS a fellow countryman, and consider what PM Orban is not. He is not the political messiah that Hungarians once hoped he was. He is also not the savior of European conservatism. And it is certain he is not a European Union or NATO ally; irrespective of Hungary being signatory to those treaties. To make a long, boring argument short, he is not the major player that he thinks he is, and will not impact current world geopolitics much at all.
Hungary Today has several articles on his visits that have different take on the visits. Of all the countries in the EU and one of the smallest, only Orban could do what he has done. Both Putin and Trump have respect for Orban . Nothing is going to happen unless the US makes it happen. What Putin learns from all these visits will be of great value.
Gloria Gaynor “hit” from 1983 titled : I am What I am.
First (2) lines of this song, are they “befitting” to Victor Mihaly. Orban ?
” I am what I am
I’m my own Creation.”
Read the words of the entire SONG – INTERESTING.
The song – its words muchly RELATE to Victor Mihaly. Orban.
Pembroke College, Oxford, a “Place of Learning” that Orban, back in 1989 – financed – funded through the Saros Foundation – spent a Short few months.
French motto of Pembroke College is : “Garde ta Foy” – Keep your Faith.
Orban – has NEVER been of a FAITH, even though his Wife, is a baptized Catholic, and his Son, we know of his “Religious” membership, in his past life.
Hypothetically – it would be VOMITTING material, that the 2026 – National Elections in Hungary, long way off – and HUGH fireworks to HAPPEN Politically and “other” in Hungary, especially on directed at the name Orban – if the Fidesz Party, running Victor Mihaly. Orban again as there main candidate, choose to have the Gloria Gaynor 1983 hit, as there Musical Theme of INTRODUCTION at Orban’s public speaking engagements.
Hand me that BUCKET, please.
SLAP right in your MUSH – Michael Steiner, contributed by “Grumpy Oldman”.
Orban – never has been, never WILL be, the way Michael Steiner writes of him as a Demigod Figure.
Orban is a fool but he is a dangerous fool causing a lot of destruction to European security. The bigger fools are Hungarians who keep reelecting him. They increasingly remind me of Russians who live in misery in rural areas who just keep supporting whoever the new Tsar is. Putin is the greatest threat to Europe since Khrushchev and Hungary as usual is on the wrong side of conflict.
Hahaha, such an article, reflecting like many people inside and outside Hungary think orban. To avoid such embarrassing moment, orban could have just called Putin. Again, the outcome was the same as we already knew, Putin wants Ukraine surrender. And regarding orban proposal of sit and talk, that already happened in the begging of the war, and nothing was achieve. The way I see it, unfortunately, is a long and more and more stressing war. Its better if orban just shut up about this topic. Small president, big ego
There is an article in this paper today that the cost of energy will be cheapest in Hungary. Russia does supply Hungary’s energy needs. P.M. Orban’s visit to Moscow should be called a success if lowering the price of energy will benefit Hungarians.
Afghanistan was a defeat for Biden. Israel is a defeat for Biden because Biden withheld ammunition from Israel while supporting hamas. Also, the disorder on American Universities is incredible bad; terrorists students barred Jewish students from attending labs, libraries as well as assaulting Jewish students. In California, terrorists barred worshippers to enter Synagogue. These actions are supported by leftist groups like Soros and Rockerfellers.
The result of UK’s and France’s election of socialist leftists will only lower the standard of living as well as increasing antisemitism. Powery needs to be blamed on some people and the Jewish people make excellent villains; of course, sane people will never believe this lie. A retired Israeli Foreign Minister is encouraging Jewish people in France to leave the country because situation in the EU is similar to that in Germany prior to the Holocaust.
It seems that other than P.M. Orban, no one else wants peace. If Zelensky was a true Ukraine loving person, he would issue a referendum and ask Ukrainians how much more of their infrastructure or how many more people want to sacrifice so Biden and Von der Leyen can say we defeated Russia. If Ukrainians want and end to the war, Zelensky should respond to the wishes of citizens.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi of India is presently visiting Premier Putin. Now think, a bloc formed by China, India, the most populous and productive nations, add Russia to the bloc. China can stop supplying the world with much needed drugs, minerals necessary for electric vehicles and other manufactured items; European economy will be decimated. Add to this mix the rogue nations N. Korea and Iran; this will possibly result in WWIII. Does the western bloc EU, US, UK, really want a war between the eastern blocs? If the war broadens, EU countries will be the first to be destroyed.
Naysayers, try to look at the world and P.M. Orban’s actions. Things could get a lot worse. Thank P.M. Orban, he at least wants peace for his country in the long run.
At the end of the day Hungarians are not war mongers . They continuously show mercy to their fellow man , they feed the hungry , take in the homeless and millions of immigrants while the rest of the world mocks Orbin for wanting peace . God help us in this egotisical thought form . Real men protect women and children . Which countries can say they are Matriarchal enough to do that . Hungary stands alone because it doesn’t believe in war . What kind of human does ?. This is the question you all must ask yourselves . I have faith . Do you. try some Godma instaed of dogma .
Margaretann, which “real men” are protecting the women and children of Ukraine from the Russian savages? I’ll answer, ordinary Ukrainian men and women from all walks of life are protecting them. Yes, even the nations that are sending weapons to defend Ukraine from the new Russian hordes are protecting the civilians of Ukriane.
Indeed, Hungarians are not war mongers. But that doesn’t mean they have to capitulate to a 21st century Czar. We should all pray that the leader of this horde recalls his murderous troops back home. Or maybe if Viktor prays and offers his daughter to a life of simplicity and poverty, like Béla IV, your god will spare all of us from Putin and send him to hell.
I guess an added reason for the whistle stop tour of the top PM’s was to go on a begging mission for mega loans, which he eventually secured from the Chinese. This was hushed up, but it was just too big a deal (1 billion euros to be repaid in 3 years) to go unnoticed.