Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suggested that the European Union restore diplomatic relations with Russia after his recent "peace tour."
After his trip to the East, Orbán wrote a letter to the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, asking to restore diplomatic relations with Russia.
The German newspaper Bild got a copy of this letter.
Content of the Letter
In the letter, Orbán provides a "brief assessment" of his recent discussions with leaders from Ukraine, Russia, China, Turkey, and former US President Donald Trump.
He also includes several suggestions for the EU to consider.
On the topic of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, Orbán stated, "In general, it can be stated that the intensity of the military conflict will radically increase in the near future."
Specifically, Orbán's letter calls for:
Negotiations with China on a "peace conference"
The restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia
A "political offensive" towards the Global South, where he believes the EU has lost respect due to its stance on the war in Ukraine
Opinions on US Leadership
Orbán criticized US President Joe Biden, stating that Biden "is unable to change the current pro-war policy of the United States."
On the other hand, he praised Trump, saying that if Trump wins the next election, he "will be ready to immediately act as a peace mediator."
Orbán claims Trump has "detailed and well-founded plans" for peace.
Orbán also said that if Trump wins, the financial burden of supporting Ukraine will shift more to the EU:
"In the event of a probable victory of President Trump, the financial burden between the US and the EU will significantly change in favor of the EU when it comes to financial support for Ukraine."
EU Reactions
Balazs Orbán, the political director for the Hungarian Prime Minister, said that "Orbán's plan is now on the table of every EU leader."
The European Union's legal service has said that Orbán's talks with Putin go against EU rules.
In response, EU countries are thinking about various punishments for Hungary because of Orbán's visit to Russia.
