Orban’s surprise visit to Moscow sparks fury in Brussels: Key takeaways from Hungarian PM’s ‘peace mission’
The Hungarian prime minister unexpectedly traveled to Russia, just days after he visited Ukraine in the same unannounced manner | Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban unexpectedly visited Russia on Friday and met with President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The surprise trip caused major outrage among Orban’s fellow EU leaders, as it came only days after the Hungarian premier made a similar unannounced trip to Ukraine. ● Hungary holds the rotating EU presidency for the remainder of this year. Orban, however, has claimed that he doesn’t require any sort of mandate from Brussels in order to promote peace, noting that his discussions cannot be considered official negotiations. ● Orban said his trip had been the first step to restoring dialogue. A critic of Western military aid to Ukraine, the Hungarian premier said he recognized he had no EU mandate for the trips but that peace could not be achieved “from a comfortable armchair in Brussels.” ● The trip to Moscow drew strong rebukes from EU leaders and officials, despite Orban insisting earlier in the day that he was not representing the union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has accused Hungary’s prime minister of “appeasement” with regards to Putin. “Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine,” she claimed, [lying between her teeth.][They don't really want peace, do they? - Ed.].
■ Leader of EU state expresses ‘admiration’ for Orban’s Moscow visit (RT.com)
■ Orban and Putin discuss ‘shortest way out’ of Ukraine conflict (RT.com)
■ Turkish President Erdoğan: ‘Elements in West’ want World War III (RT.com)
■ July 04, 2024: Finland Gives US Control Over 15 Military Bases, on Russia’s Doorstep (Global Research)
■ Путин: в Киеве не готовы отказаться от ведения войны до конца (Ведомости)