07/06 – International News Story & Updates

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to consider a ceasefire with Russia on July 2, making a trip to Moscow days later. 

Orbán’s proposal to Ukraine came shortly after Hungary a​​sumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council on July 1.

The surprise visit to Kyiv was the president’s first visit in over a decade. [BBC]

In the past, the Hungarian prime minister has criticized the decision to send Western military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s full scale invasion of the eastern European country in February 2022. 

Orbán’s relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin is also one of the warmest among EU leaders. 

Orbán’s push for a ceasefire comes ahead of a planned international summit in Kyiv later this year.

The Hungarian president said: “A ceasefire connected to a deadline would give a chance to speed up peace talks. I explored this possibility with the president and I am grateful for his honest answers and negotiation,”

Kyiv responded with its own plans for peace including the plan for an international summit that could invite a Russian representative to help facilitate peace talks. 

Ukrainian foreign policy adviser Ihor Zhovkva said: “We say that Ukraine really wants peace for itself, this is logical… For this, we have a tool – the peace summit,” [Reuters]

Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary have risen in recent years in the face of  Hungary’s continued peaceful relationship with Russia and opposition to many EU efforts to aid Kyiv.

Despite this, Ukraine has continued to seek Hungary’s support due to its reliance on EU financial and military backing amid its ongoing war with Russia. 

ORBÁN VISITS RUSSIA

Later the same week, on July 5, Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

During the trip, Putin insisted that Ukraine withdraw its troops from regions that Moscow has annexed.

Last month Putin made the same request, adding that Kyiv must agree to drop any plans of joining NATO.

Kyiv rejected these requests. [Reuters 2]

Putin also told Orbán of his expectations for Hungary to outline “the position of European partners” on Ukraine given its newly acquired leading position in the European Council.

Orbán responded by saying: “The number of steps needed to end the war and bring about peace is many,” [Le Monde]

The trip to Russia was heavily criticized by EU officials who said it threatened to undermine the EU’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. 

The EU has consistently positioned itself against any Russian offensive. 

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: “Appeasement will not stop Putin.” [X]

US press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that the visit to Russia “will not advance the cause of peace and is counterproductive to promoting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, 

The visit to Moscow was the first by a European leader since 2022. [Barron’s/AFP]

OPINION

It is likely that Orbán views Hungary’s current tenure as the rotating president of the European Union as a political opportunity. He appears to want to maximize his role as liaison and elevate his international status, as well as that of his relatively small nation, by brokering an end to this prominent war. Orbán has even labeled his government’s foreign policy strategy of playing both sides in this conflict as their own “peace mission”. [Reuters]

Orbán’s character and promoted alliances are noteworthy when considering his intentions and actions. He recently helped establish the new European Parliament right-wing alliance group “Patriots for Europe” alongside other right-wing party leaders throughout Europe. He has consistently maintained warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, notably throughout the war with Ukraine, and has been an outspoken supporter of former American President Donald Trump.

As far-right parties gain popularity and make electoral advances across Europe, and with the possibility of a resurgent Trump presidency, Orbán recognizes the timely opportunity to leverage Hungary’s current role and power within the EU. His calls for a ceasefire might be seen as appeasement towards Russia, but from his perspective, they could serve to diminish the influence of liberal Europe and promote his anti-Ukraine aid and anti-immigration policies.

Orbán consistently pushes for peace within his public rhetoric, and has maintained throughout the conflict that NATO’s weaponization and funding of Ukraine has only further exacerbated and extended the war and devastation. As one of the most vocal advocates against NATO expansion, Orbán has famously critiqued the alliance’s recent evolution as a promoter of military offense and pursuer of war, straying away from its founding principles of restraint, defense and peace. [Newsweek]

From a broader context, the disagreement and critical rhetoric amongst European leaders since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war has exemplified the clear lack of unity and disaccord regarding the functional role of NATO and its purpose for the political future of Europe at large. 

Orbán boasts of his government’s controversial political stance within Europe and likely sees this as the perfect political moment to position himself at the forefront of an emerging right-wing wave across the continent and beyond. Many EU leaders are aware of this, and skepticism regarding Orbán’s recent moves has been widespread. 

– K.M./P.T.