Hungarian PM urges EU to renew Russia ties, slams Biden's Ukraine stance

The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, who embarked on a self-proclaimed "peace mission" visiting countries such as Russia and China, suggests in a letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, that the EU should resume diplomatic relations with Russia. Orban also accuses U.S. President Joe Biden of pursuing a "pro-war policy" regarding Ukraine.

Hungary assumed the six-month presidency of the EU Council on July 1. The following day, Orban made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, and three days later to Moscow. Continuing his “peace mission” concerning the war between Russia and Ukraine, he then traveled to Beijing, and subsequently to the USA, where he met with Donald Trump during the NATO summit.

"Below is a summary of my recent talks with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, China, Turkey, and former President Donald J. Trump, as well as several suggestions for consideration," Orban writes in the introduction to the letter, which was accessed by the German newspaper "Bild".

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the Hungarian politician predicts a significant increase in the intensity of the armed conflict soon. He advocates for discussions with China to organize a conference aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine, the EU to renew diplomatic relations with Russia, and the initiation of a "political offensive" towards Global South countries, noting that recognition from these countries has been lost due to their stance on the war in Ukraine.

Orban also discusses his conversations with Trump, a candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, and criticizes the current president, Joe Biden, for his efforts to remain in the race and his inability to change the USA's current pro-war policy. Orban praises Trump, stating that Trump would be ready to act as a peace mediator immediately after winning the election, with detailed and justified plans for this role. However, Orban warns that Trump's victory would have financial implications for the EU, as the financial support burden for Ukraine would likely shift significantly from the USA to the EU.