Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a surprising visit to Ukraine at the start of his country’s EU Council Presidency, marking his first trip to the country since the war began. Known for his obstructionist policies, Orban raised questions about whether he is now shifting towards a more constructive approach.
The visit, which lasted only a few hours, included a meeting between Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During their conversation, Orban called for a ceasefire along the current front line, which was seen as a step towards speeding up peace talks. Zelensky emphasized the importance of restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity for any peace process and hinted at potential agreement to improve bilateral relations.
The symbolic value of the meeting was significant as it was Orban’s first trip to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. His previous opposition to military support for Ukraine and close ties with Russia had earned him a reputation as more aligned with Putin than the West.
Orban’s visit aimed to improve relations with Ukraine and address bilateral issues such as concerns about an Ukrainian minority law that affects Hungarian and Romanian minorities in western Ukraine. Critics questioned whether Orban’s criticism of the law was genuine or if it served as a pretext for his obstructionist policies.
Despite some initial victories such as releasing blocked funds from the Cohesion Fund, Orban’s isolation within the EU hindered his ability to achieve significant gains for Hungary during his Council Presidency. This trip may be a strategic move on Orban’s part to strengthen Hungary’s position within the EU especially during its presidency. While Orban remains an unpredictable partner, his willingness to engage with Ukraine could offer some relief to both Brussels and Kiev.
