On the way home from Russia, the Prime Minister gave an interview to the famous Swiss newspaper on board the plane.
Viktor Orbán met Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Friday. The Swiss Die Weltwoche conducted an interview with the prime minister, who was returning from his peace mission in Moscow .
Viktor Orbán revealed that he asked Vladimir Putin’s opinion on three issues
The meeting was of special importance, the reporter began the conversation. Orbán did not meet Putin for the first time, as this was their 14th meeting, so they already know each other’s moves like two old tennis players.
The purpose of the meeting was to create peace, and Orbán said that the meeting was organized in complete secrecy, after he had previously visited Kyiv and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Viktor Orbán said that he asked Vladimir Putin’s opinion on three issues.
- The Hungarian Prime Minister first inquired about what Putin thinks about the already existing peace plan proposals and negotiation formats.
- He also asked the Russian president whether he considers a ceasefire possible before the start of peace negotiations.
- He also asked the Russian president for his opinion on how he sees the future of Europe’s security system after the war.
In response to the question, the prime minister also said that he was grateful to Putin for the open and honest discussion, but did not reveal what answers the Russian president gave to the three questions.
You can watch the Prime Minister’s full interview in English on the plane here:
Viktor Orbán said in the magazine that he is being criticized because some people think he is too friendly with Putin.
On the other hand, he emphasized that he is on the side of Hungarians and peace.
He is negotiating with Putin because he is looking for the shortest way to end the war and create peace. Organizing the meeting was a major logistical challenge, as information had to be kept secret. Orbán said that he is acting out of Christian motives, as peace is a moral issue.
At the meeting, Orbán asked Putin several questions: what he thinks about the existing peace plan, what he thinks about the Chinese and Brazilian peace plans, and how he sees Europe’s security architecture after the war. According to Putin, real negotiations can only take place with the participation of both sides, and although he is not optimistic about the possibility of a ceasefire, he was willing to consider Orbán’s proposal. Orbán’s goal was to establish direct communication with the Russian leader, as he was the first Western leader in a long time to meet Putin in person.
Viktor Orbán emphasized that achieving peace cannot be a bureaucratic process, it requires political leaders who are able to reopen diplomatic relations and communication channels. The meeting was an important step in this direction.
Orbán declared that he will continue working for peace and is preparing for another surprising step on Monday, which will be reported by the press.
According to Orbán, creating peace is a common goal that can offer a long-term solution for both parties.
edited by Ivan Hajda
