Pushing for talks to end Ukraine war helpful
The presidency of the Council of the European Union is normally an uncontested, largely administrative post that rotates between EU member states every six months. In his first week in office, Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban made brief visits to Kyiv, Moscow, Beijing and Washington as part of a self-proclaimed “peace mission” in Ukraine under the banner of his country’s EU Council presidency.
Orban’s call for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine war has resonated at every stop with China’s peace plan and Moscow’s strategic goals. But like Hungary’s support for Russia and blocking of EU aid to Ukraine, it has infuriated most other EU governments and European officials in Brussels. They say that since Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine should have a say in the terms.
Indeed, Europe’s reaction reflects deep security concerns about the Russian attack on Ukraine.
The rotating president sets the legislative agenda and chairs diplomatic meetings in Brussels, but has no political or foreign policy powers. However, Orban’s initiative has been welcomed in some circles, including Russia and Beijing, as it shows no movement toward an end to the killing and inhuman suffering. During talks with Orban during his fleeting visit to Beijing, President Xi Jinping reiterated his calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine and direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.
Hungary maintains close relations with Russia and China and supports Beijing’s peace efforts, including a proposal to Brazil in May to create conditions for direct negotiations. China has called for a ceasefire and political negotiations from the outset.
Some foreign media reports on Orban’s travels expressed skepticism about his self-proclaimed role as a “peacemaker”, since the powers of the EU President do not extend to the EU’s international relations.
If Russia and Ukraine are not willing to talk, there is little prospect of an end to hostilities any time soon, but at least someone seems to be trying to make progress. If the parties are talking, there is hope. In that sense, any attempt to encourage dialogue is positive.
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