The Financial Times noted that Orbán’s visit comes shortly after Hungary assumed the presidency of the European Union.
The newspaper highlighted that Orbán has been one of the most vocal critics of military aid to Ukraine among NATO leaders. Due to Hungary's EU presidency, there was a rush within the European Union to resolve various matters concerning Ukraine to avoid leaving decisions to the Hungarian government, known for its pro-Russian stance.
In the past, Orbán has repeatedly opposed EU initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion. He blocked a 50 billion euro support package for Ukraine within the EU budget for weeks, only agreeing to concede in early February. Hungary has also opposed strengthening NATO's coordinating role in transferring arms to Ukraine and training Ukrainian soldiers.
The Financial Times also pointed out that Orbán did not immediately support the start of EU negotiations with Ukraine. Meanwhile, the independent Russian portal Meduza recalled that the Hungarian leader is one of the few European leaders who met with dictator Vladimir Putin after the beginning of Russian invasion on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR
