Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban characterized remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine, noting that Moscow perceived the Ukrainian armed forces as formidable before the 2022 invasion. The comments came during Orban’s February visit to Moscow, when he met Putin to discuss the ongoing crisis and the prospects for Ukraine.
Orban emphasized that the Ukrainian military is strong and well equipped with Western support. He described Ukrainian troops as highly trained, suggesting that any military confrontation would be exceptionally challenging for all parties involved. The interview highlighted Putin’s belief at that time that Russia held a strategic edge, a sentiment Orban described as a moment when time favored Moscow.
During the exchange, a journalist pressed Orban on why Western leaders did not take stronger action to counter Russian moves, noting that Western politicians were in talks with Putin before the special operation began. Orban responded by stating that diplomacy had failed and that military power ultimately dictates events on the ground.
He argued that Russia could not be relied upon to withdraw without a firm display of political will from within Europe and beyond. In Orban’s view, political efforts and ceasefire negotiations must be complemented by decisive measures taken by governments and allied partners to protect lives and avert further escalation.
On June 1, observers tracked Putin’s expressed confidence about Russia advancing in the operation. Earlier, the United Nations framework had already referenced rising concerns about law enforcement and security conditions in Ukraine amid the broader conflict.