Orban's secretive diplomatic tour rattles Europe

An unexpected visit by Orban to Moscow is not the last surprise the Hungarian prime minister has in store. In an interview with the Swiss weekly "Die Weltwoche," he revealed that he plans to organize a series of "equally surprising" visits. The next one is scheduled to take place as early as Monday. Orban did not disclose the destination of his trip, but according to Hungarian media, his plane is already on its way to China.

"In the coming week, I have planned several meetings that will certainly surprise many," Orban revealed. "Only when I arrive will everyone be astonished that I am there," he added.

"Another surprise awaits us on Monday morning," revealed the Hungarian prime minister.

Orban did not inform where he intends to go on Monday. However, according to the Hungarian service 444.hu, the military-government Dassault Falcon 7X airplane is on its way from Budapest to Beijing.

Last Friday, the Hungarian prime minister went to Moscow, just three days after his unexpected visit to Kyiv. It was his first visit to the Ukrainian capital since the Russian invasion of that country in February 2022. During talks with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Orban touched on, among other things, the potential for a ceasefire and the start of peace talks.

"Currently, I am the only leader from the West who can engage in dialogue simultaneously in Kyiv and Moscow," stated the Hungarian prime minister. "Everyone else has led to a situation where they are unable to directly communicate with both sides, especially with Russia," he added.

During talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Orban discussed current peace initiatives, the possibility of a ceasefire and negotiations, and future relations in Europe after the conflict ends.

"Regardless of the political cost I will have to pay in Brussels, I am trying to do something, as my country currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, and I am in a position to talk to everyone," emphasized the head of the Hungarian government.

Orban previously admitted that Hungary does not have a mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU regarding the war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, he stated that he wants to understand the positions of both sides of the conflict. The Hungarian prime minister is preparing a report on the matter for members of the European Council.

In an interview with "Die Weltwoche," Orban emphasized that his trip to Moscow was planned in secrecy, and information about it was not disclosed until his Tuesday visit to Kyiv was concluded. "The information about the meeting in Moscow only leaked when we asked for a flight over Poland," explained Orban.

Orban's first meeting with Putin occurred in 2009 when the Hungarian politician was still in opposition. The last meeting before Friday's visit to Moscow took place in early February 2022, just three weeks before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.