Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made an unexpected visit to Beijing on July 8, 2024, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This visit, described as the third leg of Orbán’s ‘Peace Mission 3.0’, follows his recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.During the meeting, both leaders emphasized China’s potential role in facilitating peace. Orbán stated, ‘China is a key power in creating conditions for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war,’ and expressed appreciation for China’s peace initiative. Xi, in turn, called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and subsequent negotiations, stressing the need for direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.Xi urged the international community to create conditions for such dialogue, stating, ‘It is only when great powers show positive energy, instead of negative energy, that this conflict can see the light of hope for a ceasefire’. He also emphasized the importance of preventing the expansion of the war zone and reducing regional tensions.Orbán’s diplomatic efforts, however, have drawn criticism from EU and NATO allies, particularly given Hungary’s recent assumption of the EU’s rotating presidency on July 1. His meetings with Putin and subsequent praise for China’s stance have been seen as potentially undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia.The Hungarian leader warned of further escalation in Ukraine, saying that the next two to three months could be more brutal than previously thought. He reiterated his call for peace talks and emphasized that his goal is peace and a ceasefire.This diplomatic initiative comes ahead of a NATO summit in Washington D.C., where providing further support to Ukraine is expected to be a key topic of discussion. As the conflict approaches its two-and-a-half-year mark, the international community continues to grapple with finding a path to resolution.
Key points
- Hungarian PM Orbán met with Chinese President Xi in Beijing to discuss the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Xi called for a ceasefire in Ukraine and direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
- Orbán’s diplomatic efforts have drawn criticism from EU and NATO allies.
- The meeting precedes a NATO summit where Ukraine support will be discussed.
Contradictions👾While Orbán emphasizes his peace mission, his actions have been criticized by Western allies as potentially undermining efforts to isolate Russia.
