Putin and Orban hold discussions amid EU tensions in Moscow
"Negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban are ongoing at the Kremlin," reports Ria Novosti. It also publishes a recording capturing their greeting.
Viktor Orban, contrary to the will of EU politicians, arrived in Moscow on Friday. On his profile on the platform X, he informed that he flew there "with a peace mission".
"The peace mission continues. Second stop - Moscow," Orban stated, posting a picture from Vnukovo Airport.
Greeting Orban at the Kremlin, Putin stated that he was pleased with his visit to Moscow. He emphasised that the Hungarian Prime Minister also arrived as a representative of the country that holds the presidency of the EU Council.
Interestingly, EU representatives, including the President of the European Council Charles Michel, stated that "the rotating presidency, which Hungary currently holds, does not have a mandate to establish contacts with Russia on behalf of the EU".
"The only country in Europe that can talk to everyone"
"One of the topics of conversation was the issue of resolving the situation in Ukraine," reports Ria Novosti. Putin conveyed that he is ready to present Orban with the details of Moscow's proposal on this issue.
"I would like to take this opportunity to discuss with you a number of important issues. I would like to know your position on matters important to Europe," said Orban. "The number of countries that can talk to both sides of the conflict is rapidly shrinking. Soon Hungary will apparently become the only country in Europe that can talk to everyone," he added.
On the Russian side, the participants in the negotiations include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Assistant for International Affairs Yuri Ushakov, and Presidential Assistant Vladimir Medinsky, who in 2022 headed the Russian delegation during negotiations with Ukraine.
