Hungary’s EU affairs minister, János Bóka, stated that Europe must engage Russia to establish a sustainable security framework. In an interview, Bóka emphasized that despite supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, lasting security is unattainable without diplomatic ties with Moscow.
This assertion comes in the wake of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s controversial visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, a trip dubbed “Peace Mission 3.0.” This visit, shortly after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, has sparked criticism from EU leaders, who argue that the presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.
Bóka defended Orbán’s visit, saying it aimed to assess potential for a ceasefire and how the EU might facilitate peace. He noted that Orbán briefed EU leaders confidentially about the trip’s outcomes. However, the timing of this visit coincided with a devastating missile strike on a Kyiv children’s hospital by Russian forces, highlighting the ongoing violence.
The Hungarian government sees China as a crucial player in future peace negotiations, despite Beijing’s role in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions. This stance has further complicated Hungary’s relations within the EU, particularly regarding its efforts to block EU aid to Ukraine.
Orbán is expected to address the European Parliament to outline his EU presidency priorities, though his speech has been delayed. Bóka dismissed suggestions of political motives behind the delay, attributing it to scheduling issues during the Parliament’s first session.
In summary, Hungary’s push for engaging Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, underscores a complex and controversial stance within the EU’s efforts to address security and peace in Europe.
