Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a surprise visit to Kyiv on July 2, 2024, for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks Orbán’s first visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. The main focus of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine, as well as addressing current bilateral relations between Hungary and Ukraine.The visit comes amid long-standing tensions between the two countries. Orbán, known for his close ties with Moscow, has been a vocal opponent of Western military aid to Ukraine and has blocked several EU aid packages. He has also been critical of Ukraine’s bid to join the EU, arguing that the country is not ready for membership.The timing of Orbán’s visit is significant, as Hungary has just taken over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union. Some EU officials have expressed concern that Hungary’s presidency could lead to a reduction in EU support for Ukraine.Despite the tensions, both leaders appear to be making efforts towards dialogue. Zelenskyy has expressed hope that Orbán’s EU presidency will effectively promote shared European values, objectives, and interests. However, their relationship remains complex, with the two having engaged in heated exchanges at recent EU gatherings.Orbán’s visit may also serve other political purposes. According to some analysts, it could be an attempt to reduce accumulated dissatisfaction from NATO and the EU towards Hungary’s stance on the conflict. Additionally, Orbán is seeking to recruit members for a new nationalist alliance in the European Parliament.As the talks unfold, many will be watching to see if this meeting can lead to any significant shifts in Hungary’s position on Ukraine or in the broader dynamics of European support for Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key points
- Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán visited Kyiv for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The main focus of talks with President Zelenskyy was on achieving peace and addressing bilateral relations.
- The visit comes as Hungary takes over the EU’s rotating presidency, amid tensions over Hungary’s stance on Ukraine.
- Orbán has been critical of Western aid to Ukraine and has blocked EU support efforts.
Contradictions👾While most sources indicate that this is Orbán’s first visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, one source suggests it’s his first ‘wartime’ visit, which could imply previous visits during the conflict.
