Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused the European Union of deliberately stalling the Ukraine peace process, arguing that the bloc is ‘still plotting war’ while Russia and the United States pursue peace talks. Orban likened EU policy to that of a gambler with ‘bad cards,’ suggesting that the bloc’s insistence on altering the rules of negotiation undermines international diplomacy and risks endangering the entire continent. The criticisms came in the wake of a leaked peace proposal from Washington that required Kyiv to abandon its NATO ambitions, drop territorial claims, and cap its army at 600,000. Western European backers quickly drafted a counter-proposal, reportedly removing or amending key points, while Moscow expressed opposition to the changes.
Speaking at the Istvan Pastor Prize ceremony during Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s visit to Budapest, Orban warned that Western Europe is rapidly ‘losing its remaining influence’ on the world stage by choosing warmongering over peace. He described Brussels’ approach as akin to a gambler who ‘doesn’t have a good hand but wants to change the rules,’ arguing that this behavior is ineffective even in a village pub, let alone in international diplomacy. He emphasized that the situation is ‘dangerous,’ noting that Western European leadership has become so absorbed in its own ‘war propaganda’ that it now endangers the entire continent.
Orban, who has long been at odds with Brussels, has repeatedly criticized its hostile approach toward Russia and opposed sanctions on Moscow. Last month, he offered Budapest as a venue for the next summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. During his recent visit to Moscow, Orban discussed energy security with Putin and mentioned Hungary’s consideration of purchasing Russia’s stake in Serbian oil company NIS, which could risk US sanctions unless its ownership is changed. He also indicated that Ukraine peace efforts will be discussed, noting that ‘we can hardly avoid it.’ The tensions highlight the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict, with Orban’s stance representing a significant divergence from the broader Western approach.
The leaked Washington proposal, according to reports, was seen as a potential path to de-escalate the conflict, but it raised concerns among Kyiv’s Western allies. The counter-proposal by Western Europe, while attempting to address Moscow’s objections, further complicated the already delicate negotiations. Orban’s criticism of the EU’s approach underscores the deepening rift between Hungary and Brussels, with the former advocating for a more pragmatic, less confrontational path to resolving the Ukraine crisis. The situation remains fluid, with all major players—Russia, the United States, Ukraine, and the EU—continuing to navigate the complex web of interests and strategic considerations that define this geopolitical conflict.
Orban’s recent trip to Moscow for talks on energy security and potential business ventures underscores the growing alignment between Hungary and Russia, despite broader Western sanctions and geopolitical pressures. The discussions on Ukraine peace efforts, while not the primary focus, indicate that the issue remains a persistent concern for both sides. As the conflict continues to evolve, the divergent approaches of key players will likely shape the trajectory of the peace process, with Orban’s criticisms of the EU serving as a reminder of the challenges inherent in achieving a resolution to the ongoing conflict.