Putin to Orbán: If Ukraine wants peace, it has to capitulate
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán visited Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of what he calls a “peace mission” on 5 July, three days after visiting Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky. During the meeting, Putin informed Orbán that for peace to be achieved, Ukraine must essentially surrender. Orbán’s visit to Moscow, which angered the EU, US, and Kyiv, was aimed at discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Putin criticised Kyiv for its determination to “continue the war”
During the Kremlin visit of PM Orbán (“the friendliest leader in the EU to Moscow”, according to Euractiv), described by Putin as a “really useful, frank conversation,” the two leaders discussed potential solutions to the Ukraine conflict. The Russian President reiterated his demand for Ukraine to withdraw troops from regions annexed by Moscow and criticised Kyiv for its determination to continue the war.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a press conference after their bilateral talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 05 July 2024. Viktor Orbán was in Moscow for a one-day working visit. Photo: EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV
The meeting, held shortly after Hungary assumed the EU’s rotating presidency, was seen as controversial. EU officials condemned Orbán’s visit, emphasising that he did not represent the EU in these discussions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticised Orbán, asserting that his visit undermined the EU’s unified stance on Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government also denounced the meeting, clarifying that Hungary had not coordinated the visit with Kyiv. The White House and NATO echoed the EU’s disapproval, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stating that Orbán was not representing the alliance in his talks with Putin.
While most EU leaders condemned the visit, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supported Orbán’s initiative, stating he would have joined if not for health issues.
Orbán, defending his actions, argued that peace requires dialogue and action, not just discussions in Brussels.
This visit marked the first by a European leader to Moscow since Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s trip in April 2022. Orbán and Putin had previously met in October 2023 in Beijing to discuss energy cooperation, Euractiv concludes.
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13 Comments
Putin just said what everyone who has supported Ukraine all along has said. You cannot negotiate anything with the 21st century Hitler. The only thing you can do is rally everyone together to oppose this monster and defeat him. The alternative is enslavement, oppression, the liquidation of thousands of Ukrainians and further war when Putin rebuilds his army to expand further west. All of the peace talk Orban and his band of Russophile criminals have been promoting is just a Kremlin designed message to encourage surrender.
Disgraceful!
The Hungarian people should feel ashamed that they have such a national leader.
Another success story of the best prime minister of Hungary, why are not Hungarians celebrating on the street? (Sarcastic mode off) Really, nothing the we did not known was achieve by this trip was done. Did Hungarians think that orban was going to achieve something? Negotiating with Putin it would be like negotiating with Hitler. Now the “pro peace” people have received a reality hit. Everyone is laughing at you people. Wake up and remove this narcissist from the government. Or just leave the EU
This is where, when you “see the forest for the trees” – have a high degree of understanding the Mind Set of Victor Mihaly. Orban, re-visit his “Curriculum Vitae” – history never lies, his meeting in recent days, with the President of the Ukraine, his TALK being “Veiled” without Truth and CANDOUR, the message Orban was passing onto the President of the Ukraine was – CAPITULATION to Russia, will be the best outcome for ALL.
Orban – history never lies, is the worst possible present day European Politician, he being, the Prime Minister of Hungary, the President of the European Union – to play a role of a PEACEMAKER – or worse a role of a NEGOTIATOR – for he has NO place of NEUTRALITY, through his relationships/partnerships – his, and the Orban – Fidesz Government of Hungary, there “aggressive” process – of the Distillation of Democracy in Hungary, a country in Financial & Economic – TURMOIL and worsening.
This Putin meeting, that in it-self – it’s HAPPENING, who approved in the European Union “Creed” of Membership, for Orban to meet with his “Friend & Ally” – Putin ???
Answers NEEDED on this subject, as the “mumbles” growing in Brussels appear to be that Orban just took it upon him-self to fly to Moscow, and “have a chat” with his Friend – Putin.
History never Lies, we know Orban has gargantuan difficulties with the word of Compliance – to COMPLY.
Has Orban – “muddied: the waters” to a deeper depth that may HINDER, any possibility in the immediate FUTURE of Dialogue between Russia and the Ukraine ?
History never Lies – it’s Victor Mihaly. Orban we refer and the high probability of DAMAGEING dialogue in the future by his visitation to Moscow – Putin, would not at ALL surprise – especially attending with a “Double Edged – Two Sided Sword”.
Our very own Mr. Chamberlain. Nothing like a bit of appeasement to subdue the beast.
Now Orbán has to discontinue the fake peace slogans because Putin has made it plain that he does not want peace, he wants to continue to expand imperial Russia. Orbán, you were wrong, the only solution is for Russia to surrender all stolen territory and pay for the damages to Ukraine and return the kidnapped children.
Yep, one more thing that our PM has done to churn my stomach. I became a Hungarian citizen because I’m proud of Hungary, its traditions, its history and its people……especially its people. Well, okay……….the vast majority of its people. Those at the top of the current regime are the exception. Where, oh where is the leadership that Hungary so desperately needs to change the fortunes of my fellow Hungarians……those who can’t live on their meager retirement, those who can’t afford to raise a family, those young people who flee their homeland because they have no future here?
Here where are many spouting their bile about mr. Putin, but he has not provoked the war, and there where mr. Orban is trying to start negotiations, and there where NATO is receiving orders from the Amerivan globalistic elite to continue this war, these are his democratic and republican members and staf who have a mayor stake in the militair industrial complex (MIC), that which does not give them any wind eggs.
Zoli @ Are you living undr a stone? Russia gave Ukraine many times the chance to make a peace deal, but Zelensky under pressure of the west (America and Great Brittain) had to give up that idea, Zelensky now also blocked himself, because since 31th of May not again the president of Ukraine, so Russia don’t want to negotiate with him.
By the way Russia wil never give back the conquered territories of Donbas, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson, and about the kidnapped children, its a fake story this to make mr Putin black. You have heard the bell ringing but you don;t know where the clapper hangs,
Oh, where is Stainer and Maria Von Foot in Mouth? There is absolutely no defense, and Hungary will once again be on the wrong side of history. But do not dispare, when Hungary is reducd to Budapest, another Orban will come along and blame “the west” and all of our little footsoldiers will carry the message of ignorance,
So much bile and vitriol merely because Orban went to TALK to Putin.
Demented.
@michaelsteiner – I agree the discourse aspect of the visit can be justified and perhaps even in a certain sense, laudable. However, the issue here is that Mr. Orbán is ambiguous regarding the capacity he is going in. Is he going as Hungary´s Prime Minister, or (as he appears to be insinuating) some type of EU envoy?
Mr. Putin was apparently confused, suggesting Mr. Orbán had come to Moscow as a top representative of the European Council. I believe Mr. Xi was under a similar expression. Otherwise, why host at short notice the Prime Minister of a (pardon the expression) dwarf state at short notice? Discuss bilateral relations??? Could have just sent Mr. Szijjártó – love him or hate him, he lives for that stuff.
Mr. Orbán has zero (0) mandate, speaking on behalf of the EU in this context. And therein lies the problem…
@michaelsteiner – before I forget: cudos for chiming in.
It´s important and appreciated, even if (or because of) the fact we do not always agree. So – thank you.