President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, of betraying fellow European leaders after Orban’s recent “peace misson” to Moscow.
Zelenskyy spoke against unilateral actions taken by Orban in the search for a peaceful resolution to Russia’s invasion of his country
He made veiled but repeated references to Orban’s recent attempts to get close to Moscow.
This month, the Hungarian leader travelled to Moscow for what he called a “peace mission.”
Orban’s tour, which he referred to as a “peace mission,” was widely denounced in European Union and NATO countries.
Addressing a room of European leaders and defence ministers at the European Political Community summit (EPC), Zelenskyy said, “We have maintained unity in Europe by acting together, which means that Putin has missed his primary target – he has failed to create division in Europe.”
“The more decisive Europe is in preserving this unity, the longer-lasting peace we will ensure. Putin cannot sustain relationships with truly strong leaders, and this is our advantage, but it remains an advantage only as long as we are united.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyyy
Referring to Putin, he said, “He may try to approach you, or go to some of your partners individually, trying to tempt or pressure you to blackmail you so that one of you betrays the rest. We keep our unity.”
In an apparent reference to Orbán’s recent visit to meet Putin in Moscow, he stated, “If someone in Europe tries to resolve issues behind our backs, or even at the expense of someone else, if someone wants to make some trips to the capital of war to talk – and perhaps promise something against our common interests or at the expense of Ukraine or other countries – then why should we consider such a person?
He added, “The EU can also address all their issues without this one individual.”
Zelenskiy also used his speech to European leaders to urge them to provide air defences for Ukraine and not to place limits on their use.
“We should not fear these capabilities,” the Ukrainian President said.
“The more effective our air defences, the more helpless Putin will be. The fewer restrictions we have on the use of effective weapons, the more Russia will seek peace.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He expressed appreciation for the support in the opening of negotiations for Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
“This proved that even in the most difficult circumstances, the EU can keep its promises, and it gave Ukraine moral strength,” he said.
He also made mention of preparation for the second Peace Summit.
Long Way To Go To Resolve Conflict In Ukraine
Prior to Zelenskyy’s speech, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that more needs to be done to end the war.
“There is still a long way to go to resolve the conflict in Ukraine because many Western countries want to continue the warfare so as to defeat Russia,” Orban said.
Speaking to journalists after arriving at the summit of the European Political Community (EPC), Orban noted, “There is still a long a way to go.”
Answering journalists’ questions on the prospects of settling the conflict in Ukraine, he said that most countries in the West still “advocate for waging war and think they can take over Russia militarily.”
“I don’t think it’s possible. This conflict can’t be resolved on the battlefield. They think it’s possible, but I don’t believe it,” Orban stressed.
“I know Russians, I know the Soviet Union, I know Ukrainians, I live in their neighboring country, I know the whole context. It is impossible to find a solution on the battlefield.”
Viktor Orban
Orban deems it necessary to work towards ceasefire and the start of peace talks between the sides of the conflict.
“But it will take time,” he admitted.
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