ARTICLE AD BOX
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he wanted to use Hungary’s turn at the Council of the EU presidency to bring Europe together. And it appears he has succeeded — just probably not in the way he expected.
Leaders from the north, south, east and west of the Continent savaged him Thursday and Friday over his decision to pay a visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, hot on the heels of his trip to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
POLITICO has collated reactions from across the bloc.
European Council President Charles Michel: “The EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU. The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. No discussions about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: “Hungarian @PM_ViktorOrban is visiting Moscow: Appeasement will not stop Putin. Only unity and determination will pave the path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “PM Orbán on his way to Moscow: “We will serve as an important tool in making the first step towards peace”. The question is in whose hands this tool is.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “Viktor #Orbán is travelling to Putin as Hungarian Prime Minister. The European Council is represented in foreign policy by Charles Michel. The EU’s position is very clear: we condemn the Russian war of aggression. Ukraine can rely on our support.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda: “The unilateral decision by @PM_ViktorOrban to go to Moscow doesn’t in any shape or form represent the #EU position. It also undermines the credibility of @HU24EU. If you truly seek peace, you don’t shake hands with a bloody dictator, you put all your efforts to support #Ukraine.”
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa: “Meeting with Vladimir Putin while Russia wages war in Ukraine and kills innocent civilians is totally unacceptable. This undermines efforts for Ukraine’s victory and a just peace. @PM_ViktorOrban does not represent the EU and has no mandate to do so.”
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas: “In Moscow, Viktor Orbán in no way represents the EU or the EU’s positions. He is exploiting the EU presidency position to sow confusion. The EU is united, clearly behind Ukraine and against Russian aggression.”
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo: “Disturbing news about Orban’s visit to Moscow. It is clear that he has no mandate to negotiate or discuss on behalf of the EU. His visit would show disregard for the duties of the EU Presidency and undermines interests of the European Union.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson: “Irresponsible and disloyal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to use Hungary’s EU Presidency to visit Moscow and President Putin. It sends the wrong signal to the outside world and is an insult to the Ukrainian people’s fight for their freedom. Viktor Orbán stands alone in this. He does not speak for the European Union and not for other EU Heads of State or Government.”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala: “Viktor Orbán does not represent our or EU interests in Moscow. Nor does he have any mandate to negotiate on our behalf. The Czech position is clear: Putin is the aggressor, we stand with Ukraine.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: “PM Orban’s visit to Moscow is deeply concerning. Orban does not speak on behalf of the EU. Nothing to talk about as long as Russia continues to attack Ukraine.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: “He is going to Moscow as Hungarian prime minister. I don’t think it’s the time to visit Russia, but everyone can do what they want. The EU is in favour of peace, but not in favour of surrendering to Putin: It must be peace, not surrender. Putin’s proposal (to end the war) is a sham. We welcome dialogue and discussions, but we will continue to help Ukraine.”