Orban proposed Budapest for negotiations on Ukraine: what is known about the meeting with Putin

Meeting between Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin

The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban met with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they discussed the possibility of holding negotiations concerning Ukraine. At this meeting, Orban expressed his readiness to provide Budapest as a venue for future negotiations.

Viktor Orban emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:

'We sincerely hope that the recently published initiative will lead to peace. Our meeting today gives me the opportunity to confirm that Hungary is ready to provide a platform for such negotiations. And is ready to contribute to the successful completion of this process.' - Viktor Orban

These words indicate Hungary's active position on issues of peaceful resolution of the conflict.

During the meeting, Vladimir Putin also expressed his satisfaction with Orban's proposal, stating:

'If negotiations with the US come to the use of Budapest as a venue for a summit, I would be happy.' - Vladimir Putin

This suggests that despite sanctions and political disputes with the EU, contacts between Moscow and Budapest continue to be maintained.

Hungary as a mediator in the conflict

This meeting between Orban and Putin may indicate Hungary's desire to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The initiative to hold negotiations in Budapest may be an attempt to activate the diplomatic process and find ways to de-escalate tensions in the region.

However, such contacts may also raise concerns among European Union countries that continue to support sanctions against Moscow in response to its actions in Ukraine.