I Cannot Negotiate on Behalf of the European Union with Russia and Ukraine: Orban

Hungary understands that major powers will engage in organizing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but it wishes to push the parties towards establishing peace. This was stated by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

According to him, his visit to Kyiv on July 2 and the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed precisely at that goal. Orban also mentioned that he is aware that Hungary's presidency in the EU does not grant him the right to negotiate on behalf of the European Union with Russia and Ukraine.

He stated that after his trip to Kyiv, he will inform EU leadership and heads of member states about the outcomes of his meeting with Zelensky. “I do not need a mandate. I am simply visiting places where war is ongoing, which could affect Hungary, and I am asking questions. I did this during my meeting with Zelensky, asking him where his red line lies,” said Orban.

He confirmed the information circulating in the press that he plans to travel to Moscow to discuss ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin. Earlier, during his visit to Kyiv, Orban suggested to Zelensky to consider a ceasefire for negotiations with Russia.