Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Tuesday, the first time he has traveled to Kyiv since the Russian invasion. He has maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin but has adopted the role of peacemaker.
Orban arrived one day after Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the European Union. He told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the war is the continent’s “most important issue,” and he pushed for a temporary ceasefire.
Orban said: “The question of peace is not only paramount for Ukraine but also for Europe. This war that you’re suffering from is deeply affecting European security.”
Orban has frustrated the efforts of other European leaders to deliver assistance to Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy said the visit is a “clear indication” of common priorities and that it is important to all Europeans for support to remain “sufficient” to defend against “Russian terror.”
Hungary will hold the EU presidency through December, and Orban has claimed he will “make Europe great again.” The position brings little real power, however, and Hungarian officials say they will act as “honest brokers.”