Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban surprised many when he made his first visit to Ukraine since the start of the war, which took place in February 2022. This marked a significant shift from his previous stance, as he had been known for his obstructionist policies and close ties with Russia.
During his brief visit, Orban met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and raised questions about whether he was shifting towards a more constructive approach. The meeting lasted only a few hours, but it was symbolic in its importance, as it marked Orban’s first trip to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
One of the issues that was discussed during the meeting was Orban’s call for a ceasefire along the current front line. This was seen as a step towards speeding up peace talks and restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity. While Zelensky emphasized the importance of achieving this goal, he hinted at some potential agreements that could improve bilateral relations between Hungary and Ukraine.
Despite their differences, both leaders recognized the need to address bilateral issues that affect both countries. One such issue is a Ukrainian minority law that affects Hungarian and Romanian minorities in western Ukraine. Critics questioned whether Orban’s criticism of this law was genuine or if it served as a pretext for his obstructionist policies.
Orban’s visit to Ukraine also highlighted the challenges he faced within the EU, where his pro-Russian stance has earned him isolation from other member states. Despite some initial victories, such as releasing blocked funds from the Cohesion Fund, Orban’s ability to achieve significant gains for Hungary has been hindered by his controversial policies and close ties with Russia.
Overall, Orban’s shift towards a more constructive approach to Ukraine may be seen as a strategic move to strengthen Hungary’s position within the EU during its Council Presidency. While he remains an unpredictable partner, his willingness to engage with Ukraine could offer some relief to both Brussels and Kiev alike.