The European Commission has raised questions about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent "peacemaking tour," stressing that real mediation requires consent from everyone involved.
Eric Mamer, the chief spokesperson of the European Commission, addressed this issue during a daily briefing, as reported by European Truth.
In response to a question from a Chinese journalist about the EU's stance on Orban's mission, Mamer clarified the nature of mediation:
"When it comes to mediation, it implies that both sides ask you to be a mediator. It is embedded in the very concept of mediation... As far as I know, none of the parties, least of all Ukraine, asked him to be a mediator."
Reflecting on the EU's position on the conflict, Mamer stated, "There is a very simple way to end this war started by Russia - it is necessary for Russia to stop it."
He added that the EU supports Ukraine's "peace formula," which aims to achieve a just and sustainable peace.
Several European leaders criticized Orban's visit to Moscow.
Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, stated that Orban does not have the mandate to engage with Russia on behalf of the EU.
The EU's chief diplomat also stressed that Orban's visit was only a matter of bilateral relations between Hungary and Russia.
Orban himself admitted that Hungary does not have the authority to negotiate peace between Ukraine and Russia.
