Kyiv, Ukraine – Viktor Orban, the newly appointed president of the European Union, made an unexpected visit to Ukraine on Tuesday. As Hungary’s prime minister, Orban arrived in Kyiv amidst tensions over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Despite his past criticism of Western support for Ukraine and close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orban’s visit marked his first trip to Ukraine in 12 years.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the body language between the two leaders appeared tense, and they did not entertain questions from the media. Orban’s previous delay in approving a €50bn EU aid package for Ukraine raised concerns, but his current role as head of the European Council gives him significant influence over European affairs.
Following their discussions, Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining European support for Ukraine at a high level and fostering cooperation with neighboring countries for mutual benefit. Orban, on the other hand, proposed a ceasefire as a means to expedite peace negotiations with Russia, highlighting the critical need for peace in Ukraine and its impact on European security.
While some Ukrainians fear that a ceasefire could solidify Russia’s hold over Ukrainian territory, others believe negotiations should be approached from a position of strength. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed the country’s willingness to collaborate with all parties to resolve issues effectively, acknowledging the complexity of the process but emphasizing the potential for positive outcomes.
During their meeting, Zelensky and Orban also addressed bilateral matters, including the rights of the 100,000 ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine. Orban pledged to move past previous disagreements and voiced support for Ukraine’s progress in addressing the concerns of ethnic Hungarians, wishing the country success in its endeavors. With EU membership talks for Ukraine underway and Orban in a pivotal leadership position within the European Council, the meeting between the two leaders held significant implications for the region’s future.