Western leaders facing a rapidly changing security landscape may be advised to engage in direct talks with Russia. This stance was echoed by Balazs Orban, an adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in an interview with the publication. He argued that diplomacy remains essential for shaping a path toward stability and could prevent further escalation by creating a formal channel for dialogue and negotiation that all sides can trust.
According to the advisor, initiating talks with Moscow is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to reduce the risk of miscalculation. He suggested that Western heads of state and government have largely avoided dialogue, a decision he views as a misstep. In his view, open communication is a prerequisite for any meaningful peace process and should be viewed as an investment in regional and global security rather than a concession to one side.
The consultant emphasized that restoring lines of communication would set the stage for a broader discussion about a ceasefire and a subsequent diplomatic mission. Such discussions, he argued, could create confidence on the ground, allow for verification mechanisms, and lay the groundwork for negotiations that address humanitarian needs, security guarantees, and long-term stability in the region.
Orban added that a durable agreement would require sustained engagement among the United States, Europe, and Russia, and that Ukraine would inevitably be shaped by the terms of this dialogue. He warned that a lack of coordinated strategy among key stakeholders could lead to persistent volatility, whereas a negotiated framework has the potential to align interests, reduce the likelihood of unilateral action, and offer a clear path toward reconciliation and reconstruction.
On February 10, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó held a visit to Budapest to articulate a message that reflected both national concerns and broader regional security interests. He argued that peace negotiations in Ukraine deserve serious consideration despite strong political pressures from Western partners, underscoring how a commitment to diplomacy can coexist with defense and deterrence measures. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining credibility with allies while advancing a realistic course toward a peaceful settlement that accounts for the安全 and dignity of all affected communities.
Earlier statements from Hungarian authorities indicated a firm position on weapons supplies to Ukraine, signaling a cautious approach that prioritizes negotiation avenues alongside traditional security support. The dialogue around weapons shipments and peace talks illustrates the delicate balancing act many European capitals navigate as they seek to protect civilians, uphold international law, and avoid escalating cycles of retaliation. In this context, diplomacy is presented as a practical instrument for reducing human suffering, preserving territorial integrity, and fostering a durable settlement that can withstand future shocks.