The Hungarian leader met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday, a move which sparked dismay among many European leaders.
"Orban is likely aiming to shift Western focus towards possible peace negotiations as part of his overarching effort to undermine European support for Ukraine," the think-tank said.
According to ISW, the move plays into the hands of Vladimir Putin, who seeks to diminish European support for Kyiv.
Orban recently penned an op-ed in Newsweek where he accused NATO of prioritizing conflict over peace and asserted that the Alliance was established to maintain peace, the report added.
"Orban's op-ed follows his visits to Kyiv on July 2 and Moscow on July 5 to advocate for Russia and Ukraine to start negotiations," the report said.
However, "Orban's efforts to push for negotiations are likely part of his ongoing effort to shift European focus to discussions about peace negotiations and away from discussions about military support for Ukraine."
The visit to Moscow was undertaken without prior coordination with the European Commission.
The ISW noted that "Orban has consistently opposed and undermined the European Union (EU)'s efforts to provide military assistance to Ukraine, and shifting Europe's focus away from military assistance supports this broader aim now that Hungary has assumed the EU Council presidency."
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rebuffed participation in potential ceasefire talks and expressed no interest in a ceasefire in recent days.
"Putin instead demanded Ukrainian capitulation through ‘demilitarization’ and the surrender of significant territory that Russia does not currently occupy," the report highlighted.
(ał)
Source: PAP, understandingwar.org