Hungarian PM Orbán arrives in Moscow

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Moscow on what his spokesperson describes as a "peace-making" visit. Source: 444.hu, as reported by European Pravda; Orban on Facebook Quote from Orban: "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 Orban's press service added the logo of the Hungarian EU presidency to this photo, despite the fact that Brussels has emphasised that Orban was only representing his own country on this visit, not the EU. Bertalan Havasi, the press chief for Orban's office, stated that Orban 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.

Source: 444.hu

Before departing, Orban 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

-- Orban Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 5, 2024

Background:

Rumours of a possible visit to Moscow by Orban 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 Orban'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 Orban would be visiting Moscow after his visit to Kyiv were not true.

This news has been updated since publication.

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