Hungarian minister stresses need to engage Russia for European security
János Bóka, Hungarian minister for EU affairs, emphasized in an interview that Europe must engage with Russia to establish a “sustainable security architecture.”
“If we are willing to build a sustainable security architecture for decades to come, somehow, the relationship between Europe and Russia needs to be devised,” Bóka stated.
While Bóka underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he also highlighted that a lasting security framework is unattainable without involving Russia through diplomatic channels.
Orban’s controversial visit to Moscow
Last Friday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faced criticism from EU leaders after an unexpected visit to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, part of Orbán’s “Peace Mission 3.0.” This meeting followed his trip to Ukraine for discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The timing of Orbán’s visit to Moscow, shortly after Hungary assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, and the use of the EU presidency branding in communications related to the peace mission, sparked outrage in Brussels. European Council President Charles Michel responded sharply, stating that the “EU rotating presidency has no mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.”
Humanitarian Concerns Amidst Diplomatic Efforts
The visit occurred just days before Kyiv’s largest children’s hospital was hit in an attack attributed to a direct Russian missile, resulting in at least two deaths and about 50 injuries, including seven children.
When questioned about the appropriateness of Hungary’s outreach to Putin amid such atrocities, Bóka described the bombing as “horrible” and “terrible.” He asserted that the immense human suffering and destruction underscore the significance of Orbán’s peace mission.
Orbán’s Search for a Ceasefire
In a letter to Charles Michel and EU leaders, as reported by the German news agency DPA, Orbán defended his trip to Moscow by pointing out its economic implications for the EU. He claimed that Putin anticipated a swift collapse on the Ukrainian side in the coming months.
Bóka explained that Orbán’s visit aimed to gauge the willingness for a ceasefire on both sides and to determine how EU institutions could assist in brokering a resolution to the conflict. Bóka noted that Orbán had confidentially briefed Michel and EU heads of state and government on the trip’s outcomes.
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not consider negotiations with Moscow until Russian forces withdraw from all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. Bóka also highlighted Hungary’s view of China as a crucial player in future peace negotiations, despite Beijing’s role in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions by supplying banned components to its military sector. The EU has already imposed sanctions on Chinese companies for aiding the Kremlin in acquiring prohibited lethal items.
