Orbán Pushes for Peace Summit Despite Criticism
NEW YORK — Undeterred by previous criticism, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is once again on a mission to gather world countries in support of his peacemaking plan for Ukraine.
During the recent UN General Assembly, Orbán worked the room, seeking China and Brazil’s participation in organizing a peace summit aimed at bringing Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table.
According to Swiss outlet Weltwoche, leaders from France and Switzerland may also be in attendance at the potential summit, as Orbán intensifies his efforts for peace with Russia.
“The dying must stop,” Orbán emphasized, highlighting his renewed negotiations with Beijing and Brasília after previous attempts to persuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proved unsuccessful.
Despite facing backlash for similar efforts in the past, Orbán remains committed to his cause. Following Hungary’s assumption of the EU presidency, Orbán embarked on a global peace tour to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, drawing criticism for his self-appointed role as a European negotiator.
While Brussels objected to Orbán’s approach, particularly in engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kyiv has firmly rejected any peace talks with Russia that do not include the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territories.
As Orbán seeks support from other nations, including Brazil, challenges remain. Hungary’s previous actions, such as offering refuge to Jair Bolsonaro, have strained relations with Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
Furthermore, Kyiv’s skepticism towards Orbán’s overtures to Moscow complicates the prospect of collaborating on peace negotiations that align with Ukraine’s objectives for victory.
President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s stance at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the need for unity in pressuring Russia to end the conflict on Ukraine’s terms.
As the diplomatic landscape evolves, Zelenskyy urged nations to stand together for peace, highlighting that any alternative peace efforts could prolong the war rather than resolve it.
“Do not divide the world. Be united nations,” Zelenskyy urged, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in achieving lasting peace. — Euronews
