Orbán calls for direct EU-Russia talks on Ukraine ceasefire
Photo: Hungary demands direct EU-Russia talks on Ukraine (facebook.com.orbanviktor)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has written a letter to European Council President António Costa, demanding direct negotiations between the EU and Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Orbán suggested blocking the adoption of the EU's conclusions regarding Ukraine, informs Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi on X.
Szabolcs Panyi posted the letter from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his page. The letter, addressed to European Council President António Costa, outlines Orbán's position regarding future European Union decisions on Ukraine.
In the letter, prepared in the context of the upcoming European Council meeting scheduled for March 6, Orbán highlighted strategic disagreements regarding support for Ukraine.
"As EU leaders rally around Zelenskyy in support, I have obtained this fresh letter from Viktor Orbán to António Costa, threatening to obstruct EU unity in support of Ukraine," Panyi remarked. He added that Hungary is becoming a "Trojan horse" for Trump, just as it had been for China and Russia in the past.
Orbán states in the letter that, after reviewing the first draft conclusions circulated on February 27, it became clear that there are strategic differences between Hungary and the rest of the EU members that "cannot be bridged."
He insists that following the example of the US, the EU should begin direct negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
"This approach is not reconcilable with the one reflected in the draft conclusions. Therefore, I propose not to attempt adopting written conclusions on Ukraine at the special European Council," Orbán writes, instead suggesting support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2774 (2025), adopted this February.
He emphasizes that an attempt by the European Council to adopt written conclusions on Ukraine could result in the image of a divided EU.
As a reminder, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that Ukraine's EU accession is currently unthinkable. He believes it could have a devastating impact on Hungary's economy.
During a discussion on Ukraine's integration at the upcoming EU summit next week, Orbán expressed his firm disagreement. He stressed that Ukraine's EU membership is unthinkable here and now.
The Prime Minister added that, at present, he sees no arguments that would justify this step from Hungary's interests. However, he noted that he could not guarantee that his position would not change in the future.
