Hungarian PM Orbán arrives in Moscow on "peace mission" – photo
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has arrived in Moscow on what his spokesperson describes as a "peace-making" visit.
Source: 444.hu, as reported by European Pravda; Orbán on Facebook
Quote from Orbán: "After Kyiv to Moscow. Second stage of a peace mission."
Details: He also posted a photo from the VIP terminal for government officials at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport.
It is worth noting that Orbán’s press service added the logo of the Hungarian EU presidency to this photo, despite the fact that Brussels has emphasised that Orbán was only representing his own country on this visit, not the EU.
Bertalan Havasi, the press chief for Orbán's office, stated that Orbán had arrived in Moscow as part of his "peace mission" and would meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Journalists also noted that the Airbus 604, frequently used by the Hungarian PM for foreign trips, departed Hungary immediately after his morning interview and landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.
Read also: Will Orbán's Kyiv visit lead to resolving issues in relations with Hungary?
Before departing, Orbán said on state radio that the EU presidency has not given Hungary a mandate to promote peace in Ukraine, but Hungary can be "a good tool in the hands of people who want peace".
The #peace mission continues. Second stop: #Moscow. pic.twitter.com/kPOkKBsJQm
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 5, 2024
Background:
- Rumours of a possible visit to Moscow by Orbán emerged as early as Thursday and sparked a strong reaction, particularly since Hungary currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.
- European Council President Charles Michel said Hungary had no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.
- EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell said that Orbán's visit to Moscow is taking place within the framework of bilateral relations between Hungary and Russia and is not part of Hungary's presidency of the EU Council.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said yesterday that he hoped the rumours that Orbán would be visiting Moscow after his visit to Kyiv were not true.
This news has been updated since publication.
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