Orban, Putin's Hungarian ally, faces EU criticism for 'peace mission' to Moscow.

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Russia's closest European ally, has faced criticism from the EU after meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.
• Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, who took over the EU's rotating presidency on July 1, has been labeled a "peacemaker" by his administration, but has consistently opposed, yet mostly allowed, EU and NATO military and financial aid measures to support war-torn neighbor Ukraine.
• On Friday, EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Moscow was solely within the context of Hungary and Russia's bilateral relations.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has faced criticism from the EU after meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, who took over the EU's rotating presidency on July 1, has been labeled a "peacemaker" by his administration, but has consistently opposed, yet mostly allowed, EU and NATO military and financial aid measures to support war-torn neighbor Ukraine.

Despite most Western countries cutting ties with Hungary in response to its February 2022 invasion, the nation has maintained working relations with Russia. This has set a precedent, as NATO recently agreed to allow Budapest's nonparticipation in the coalition's deepening support of Ukraine, in exchange for Hungary not blocking such initiatives.

During his visit to Russia on Friday, Orban stated that Hungary would soon be the only European country capable of engaging in dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, as reported by Reuters and Tass.

After visiting Ukraine, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban's second stop on his "peace mission" is in Moscow.

Zelenskyy stated that the pair had discussed "the core aspects of our neighborly ties – commerce, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure, and energy" during their post-engagement talks, and emphasized that this dialogue could establish the basis for a new bilateral agreement between the two countries.

Budapest aims to enhance its relationship with Ukraine, and Orban urged Zelenskyy to consider a cease-fire with Russia to speed up peace negotiations, according to Reuters.

"Making peace cannot be done from a comfortable armchair in Brussels," Orban said Friday in a social media post. "Even though the rotating EU-Presidency does not have the mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU, we cannot wait for the war to end. We will play a crucial role in taking the first steps towards peace. This is the goal of our peace mission."

Despite several peace initiatives proposed by Zelenskyy, China, and Putin, none have gained traction.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Kyiv was not informed about Orban's trip to Moscow, which was made without any agreement or coordination with Ukraine, according to a Google-translated statement.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry emphasized that the principle of "no agreements on Ukraine without Ukraine" is non-negotiable and urged all countries to adhere to it. The ministry also stated that Zelenskyy's peace formula is the only realistic way to achieve a just peace.

European officials have criticized Orban's trip to Moscow, questioning his right to speak for the EU.

On Friday, EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell stated that the trip of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Russia is solely within the context of Hungary and Russia's bilateral relations, and that Orban does not represent the European bloc in this matter.

Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that "Putin cannot be appeased. Only a united and resolute stance will lead to a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in Ukraine."

The EU's rotating six-month presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, ensuring the continuity of the EU's work in the Council.

Earlier this week, Orban took up the post with the objective of "making Europe great again," echoing the 2016 campaign slogan of former U.S. President Donald Trump.