This is about appeasement. It's not about peace,
This is not about ‘peace’ it’s about profit, and it's a huge disservice to Hungarians and Hungary’s relationship with its Allies. Until Orbán insists Putin end his brutal war on terms that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he is no peacemaker,
Even if the rotating EU Presidency has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU, we cannot sit back and wait for the war to miraculously end. We will serve as an important tool in making the first steps towards #peace. This is what our peace mission is about."
I felt that the positions are very far apart, that many steps need to be taken to establish peace, but the first important step towards dialogue has already been taken,
We have realised over the past two and a half years that we cannot achieve peace without dialogue and diplomatic channels,
The decision to make this trip was made by the Hungarian side without any agreement or coordination with Ukraine,
Hungarian @PM_ViktorOrban is visiting Moscow: Appeasement will not stop Putin. Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
He is going to Moscow as Hungarian prime minister. I don’t think it’s the time to visit Russia, but everyone can do what they want. The EU is in favour of peace, but not in favour of surrendering to Putin: It must be peace, not surrender. Putin’s proposal (to end the war) is a sham. We welcome dialogue and discussions, but we will continue to help Ukraine.”
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. The EU is united, clearly behind Ukraine and against Russian aggression.”
Disturbing news about Orban’s visit to Moscow. It is clear that he has no mandate to negotiate or discuss on behalf of the EU. His visit would show disregard for the duties of the EU Presidency and undermines interests of the European Union.”
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.”
Meeting with Vladimir Putin while Russia wages war in Ukraine and kills innocent civilians is totally unacceptable. This undermines efforts for Ukraine’s victory and a just peace. @PM_ViktorOrban does not represent the EU and has no mandate to do so.”
Irresponsible and disloyal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to use Hungary’s EU Presidency to visit Moscow and President Putin. It sends the wrong signal to the outside world and is an insult to the Ukrainian people’s fight for their freedom. Viktor Orbán stands alone in this. He does not speak for the European Union and not for other EU Heads of State or Government.”
We will serve as an important tool in making the first step towards peace”. ... The question is in whose hands this tool is.”
PM Orban’s visit to Moscow is deeply concerning. Orban does not speak on behalf of the EU. Nothing to talk about as long as Russia continues to attack Ukraine.”
The unilateral decision by @PM_ViktorOrban to go to Moscow doesn’t in any shape or form represent the #EU position. It also undermines the credibility of @HU24EU. If you truly seek peace, you don’t shake hands with a bloody dictator, you put all your efforts to support #Ukraine.”
The EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine."
I have to admit that the number of countries that are able to talk to both parties in this war is slowly disappearing,
I understand that you have come here now not only as our partner, but also as the president of the Council of the European Union,
Since 2009, it’s our 11th face-to-face dialogue. But it’s a more special occasion than the previous ones. As you said, Hungary holds the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July 1,