Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó criticized the European Union for its reaction to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow, sharing his views in an interview with the ATV portal. He argued that the EU’s response reflected a broader frustration with the course taken over the past two and a half years and suggested that those involved would have to answer for it when the moment of accountability arrives.
The diplomat described himself as being caught in the middle of what he called a wave of hysterical statements from among EU leaders, noting that he endured roughly three hours of comments during the discussions. He implied that the EU had to confront uncomfortable truths about the bloc’s strategy and the consequences of its recent policies.
Orbán’s schedule after the Kyiv visit on July 5 included a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his stop in Moscow, where they explored possible avenues to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions encompassed diplomatic steps, security considerations, and the broader implications for regional stability.
On July 8, Orbán was reported to be in Beijing, where he reiterated Budapest’s stance on fostering cooperation between the European Union and China. The remarks underscored Hungary’s aim to balance EU cohesion with constructive engagement in Asia, signaling a pragmatic approach to international relations while navigating EU-wide positions.
Following his visit to China, Orbán traveled to Washington for a NATO summit, with expectations of meeting U.S. political figures, including discussions around transatlantic commitments and security alliances in the current geopolitical climate. The interactions were framed within Hungary’s broader diplomatic posture and its role within the alliance framework.
Within the European Union, Orbán’s peace-oriented mission attracted strong disapproval from many political leaders who supported unified EU diplomacy. The criticisms reflected a divide over approaches to Russia, Ukraine, and the pathways toward de-escalation and negotiation. The conversations highlighted ongoing tension between member states over strategic objectives and the balance between national sovereignty and collective EU policy.
Earlier, Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of advance notice regarding Orbán’s travel plans, underscoring the importance placed on transparent communication among allied leaders during sensitive negotiations and crisis management. The episode illustrated the complexities of coordinating international diplomacy within a high-stakes security framework and the expectations placed on national leaders when conducting sensitive diplomacy abroad.