Hungary Defends Orban’s Moscow Visit Despite EU Boycott
Hungary has firmly defended Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s controversial trip to Moscow, asserting its sovereign right to conduct foreign policy without EU permission. During Friday’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the leaders discussed Ukraine, trade relations, and crucial energy supplies.
Key Takeaways
- Hungary maintains sovereign foreign policy independent of EU mandates
- Orban and Putin discussed Ukraine conflict, trade, and energy security
- Hungary continues to rely on Russian energy supplies
- EU leaders criticized Orban’s Moscow visit as unauthorized
Foreign Minister’s Strong Statement
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed criticism from what he termed “European pro-war politicians.” He declared: “We, Hungarians, do not need permission or a mandate from Brussels, Berlin, or anywhere else for any foreign talks. We pursue a sovereign foreign policy, and our decisions are determined by national interests – whether you like it in Brussels or not.”
European Backlash
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters that Orban had traveled to Moscow “without a European mandate,” while Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob stated the Hungarian leader “has not been playing for the European team for some time.”
Hungary’s Stance on Ukraine Conflict
Hungary has consistently refused to place sole blame on Russia for the Ukraine conflict and has offered to mediate peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Orban has declined to send weapons to Ukraine and warned that further escalation could trigger direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Kremlin Meeting Highlights
During their Kremlin meeting, Putin thanked Orban for his “reasonable position on the Ukraine issue.” The Hungarian leader emphasized that “stable deliveries from Russia remain the cornerstone of Hungary’s energy security – in the past, now, and in the future.”
