Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and Hungarian Prime Minister's Visit to Kyiv
The roots of Russia's invasion of Ukraine go back decades and run deep. The current conflict is more than one country fighting to take over another; it is a shift in the world order. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss building peace amidst the invasion. Orbán, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been criticized for hindering EU efforts to aid Ukraine and sanction Moscow.
Key Points
- Orbán's visit to Zelenskyy marks a rare gesture in their strained relationship
- Orbán's refusal to provide weapons to Ukraine due to alleged mistreatment of ethnic Hungarian minority
- Orbán's role as an obstructionist in EU policies and democratic values
- Hungary's assumption of the EU presidency amidst concerns over democratic track record
- Formation of a new nationalist alliance by Orbán with hopes of becoming a significant right-wing group in the European Parliament
Pros
- Discussion on building peace in Ukraine amidst the invasion
Cons
- Hindrance of EU efforts by Hungarian PM Orbán in aiding Ukraine and sanctioning Moscow