Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban Visits Moscow Amidst Criticism from EU
Rumors about a Russia trip had already sparked harsh criticism and now Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has actually arrived in Moscow. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass on Friday, citing Orban's spokesperson. Shortly after, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed this. Orban wants to discuss opportunities to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Tass reported. The agency quoted Orban's spokesperson as saying that he had traveled within the framework of his peace mission. Peskov also said that the situation in Ukraine was one of the topics. Rumors about the trip had already circulated on Thursday evening. Within the EU, there was clear criticism because Hungary has only held the EU Council presidency since Monday. This presidency is passed on every six months from one member country to another. The country holding this presidency prepares the work in the Council, conducts negotiations with the Commission and the EU Parliament, and has the opportunity to put topics on the agenda. It should not be confused with the EU Council presidency - the body of the 27 heads of state and government of the EU, currently chaired by Belgian Charles Michel. The rotating EU presidency does not have a mandate to negotiate with Russia on behalf of the EU, says Michel. For the European Council, it is clear that Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. No discussion about Ukraine can be held without Ukraine.
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