German Chancellor Merz and Slovenian PM Golob criticize Orbán's trip to meet Putin
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to Moscow for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin without any European mandate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said at a press conference, according to The Guardian.
Merz emphasized that EU leaders "have been aware of Viktor Orbán's position for years." The chancellor recalled that the Hungarian prime minister had previously visited Moscow just a few days after Hungary assumed the rotating EU presidency. Still, that visit was unsuccessful because it coincided with heavy strikes on Ukraine.
"He's traveling without a European mandate, and without consulting us," the head of the German government stressed.
For his part, Golob noted that Orbán "has not played with the European team for some time and that visit comes within that context."
Orbán's visit to Putin
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán arrived in Moscow today, November 28, and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the meeting, the Hungarian head of government expressed hope that the US peace plan would lead to an end to the war and also voiced readiness to host peace talks in Hungary.
Putin, meanwhile, spoke about the development of relations between Moscow and Budapest "despite difficulties."
The Kremlin leader also confirmed his readiness to meet with US President Donald Trump in Budapest.
Hungary continues to undermine European unity amid Russian aggression. In particular, on November 22, Orbán stated that Hungary does not support any EU initiatives related to assisting Ukraine.
