Hungary assures EU that Orbán's Ukraine 'peace mission' is over
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (Getty Images)
Hungary has ended its "peace mission" regarding Ukraine. This was announced by Hungarian Minister for European Affairs János Bóka in a note sent to European Union member states, citing El Pais.
However, some diplomats are skeptical about the truthfulness of this statement and believe that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may resume this mission when it suits him.
This episode has heightened tensions between Budapest and the EU due to Orbán's close ties with Russia, blocking aid to Ukraine, and his visits to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump, who has been critical of aid to Ukraine.
These meetings, coinciding with the start of Hungary's six-month presidency of the EU Council, have angered the EU and many capitals. The EU and the European Parliament have demanded explanations from Budapest and are boycotting meetings organized by Hungary.
Hungary's EU presidency
From July 1 to December 31, 2024, Hungary holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, which has drawn attention due to the political actions of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
In early July, Orbán visited Kyiv, where he suggested that Ukraine cease fire before starting peace negotiations with Russia. He then held talks with Putin and met with Xi Jinping in China.
EU ambassadors criticized Orbán for his "peace mission." Members of the European Parliament called for stripping Hungary of its veto power due to such actions.
