European Commission comments on Orbán's mediation efforts
Photo: Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán cannot be a "mediator" between Ukraine and Russia, as both sides have not asked him for such a favor, according to European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer.
"You speak of mediation but as far as I'm aware when you mediate, it's because both parties ask you to mediate," said Mamer.
However, he added, neither side, especially Ukraine, has requested such mediation.
He said that there is a simple way to end the war - Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
At the same time, there is a peace initiative from Ukraine, which is supported by the European Union. Part of this initiative includes holding a Peace Summit.
Orbán's tour
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Kyiv, where he held talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the dialogue, the head of the Hungarian government proposed that Ukraine initiate a ceasefire.
Immediately after this trip, Orbán went to Moscow. There, he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including discussions about Ukraine.
After that, the head of the Hungarian government visited China. The main topic during the negotiations was also the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Amid such visits, the European Union emphasized that Orbán does not have a mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the bloc, even despite Hungary's presidency in the EU.
