Hungarian PM Orbán arrives in Moscow on "peace mission"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has arrived in Moscow for a "peace-making" visit.
As reported by 444.hu, citing a government spokesperson in a comment to the MTI news agency, Bertalan Havasi, the press chief for Orbán's office, stated that Orbán arrived in Moscow as part of his "peace-making mission" and will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Journalists also noted that the Airbus 604, frequently used by the Hungarian PM for foreign trips, departed Hungary immediately after his morning interview and landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.
He also posted a photo from the VIP terminal for government officials at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport.
It is worth noting that Orbán’s press service added the logo of the Hungarian EU presidency to this photo, despite the fact that Brussels has emphasised that Orbán was only representing his own country on this visit, not the EU.
Before departure, Orbán stated on state radio that the EU presidency has not given Hungary a mandate to promote peace in Ukraine, but Hungary can be "a good tool in the hands of people who want peace".
The #peace mission continues. Second stop: #Moscow. pic.twitter.com/kPOkKBsJQm
– Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 5, 2024
Rumours of Orbán's possible visit to Moscow emerged as early as Thursday and sparked a strong reaction, particularly because Hungary currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said that Hungary had no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.
EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Moscow is not part of Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, so it will be considered solely within the framework of bilateral relations between Hungary and Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed hope that rumours of Orbán's visit to Moscow following his visit to Kyiv are not true after all.