Kyiv, Ukraine – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a significant visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, marking his first trip to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion over two years ago. His meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky came on the heels of Hungary assuming the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, signifying a rare gesture in their historically tense relationship.
Despite the limited power that comes with the rotating presidency, Orban now has a platform to potentially amplify the views of Europe’s far right, a move that could hinder Ukraine’s efforts to receive more support. Orban’s track record of blocking or weakening European initiatives to aid Ukraine has been a point of frustration for Zelensky, especially since Hungary, as a NATO member, refuses to allow Western weapons to be transferred to Ukraine through their shared border.
During the visit, Orban emphasized to Zelensky the importance of addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, describing it as a critical issue for all of Europe. While Hungary did attend a recent peace conference organized by Ukraine and even supported a joint statement calling for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Orban’s suggestion of a ceasefire with Russia was met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials who fear it could allow Moscow to rearm and launch further attacks.
Zelensky, in response to Orban’s proposal, did not directly address the ceasefire suggestion but instead highlighted Hungary’s plans to establish the first Ukrainian-language school for refugees in Budapest. The meeting between the two leaders may pave the way for a new bilateral agreement between their countries, despite Hungary’s demands for better protection of its minority rights in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region.
Orban’s recent actions have raised concerns among some EU lawmakers who question Hungary’s pro-Russian stance and its hindrance of aid to Ukraine. However, the rise of far-right parties in European politics, as evidenced by recent election outcomes, may provide Orban with new allies and influence, potentially shaping the future direction of EU policies towards Ukraine and Russia.
Overall, Orban’s visit to Kyiv signifies an important moment in European politics, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance of power within the European Union. As tensions persist in the region, Orban’s actions and statements carry significant weight, impacting the trajectory of events in Ukraine and beyond.