The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, stated on Thursday, October 16, that Europe should open direct negotiations with Russia to reach an agreement that would end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the plenary session of the Permanent Hungarian Conference (MAERT) – a forum that brings together political leaders from Budapest and representatives of Hungarian communities outside the borders – Viktor Orban claimed that “the issue of peace or war” is today the most urgent problem of European politics and particularly affects the countries of the Carpathian basin.
According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, the risk of Europe being drawn into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is higher than ever since the beginning of the invasion.
“The solution proposed by Hungary is simple: Europe must start its own negotiations with Russia, without waiting for the outcome of any discussions between Moscow and Washington”, said Orban, according to Agerpres.
He added that Ukraine would represent a central element of a possible agreement, but not the only one.
In his view, there is a need to build a new European security system, which would clarify issues such as arms control, the size of national armed forces, and mechanisms for monitoring compliance with agreements.
“Several countries have abandoned arms treaties in recent years, and this underscores the need for a new European security framework,” the Hungarian Prime Minister further stated.