Orbán to Deliver Trump’s Peace Plan to Putin in Moscow
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is expected to travel to Moscow this Friday, November 28th, for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to reports from Hungarian media outlets. While neither government has officially confirmed the visit, Budapest has not denied the impending talks. This trip comes amidst a flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding a new US peace proposal for Ukraine.
Orbán’s visit follows a recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump, during which the hungarian leader advocated for a direct summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest. While initially hesitant, Trump’s stance reportedly shifted after the unveiling of the American peace plan.
The plan, crafted by special envoy Steve Witkoff, remains largely confidential, with both Washington and Moscow keen to avoid premature leaks that could jeopardize potential negotiations. However, Russia has indicated it views the proposal as a viable starting point for discussions, with Putin suggesting it aligns with previous agreements discussed during talks in Anchorage. He has also cautioned that Moscow requires “adaptability” from Washington, a quality he believes is currently lacking from Kyiv.
Putin has warned that Ukraine’s continued refusal to engage in dialog could lead to further territorial losses, citing the recent Russian gains near Kupyansk as a potential precedent for other key areas along the front lines.
Orbán’s role in this evolving diplomatic landscape is particularly intriguing. He has consistently urged EU nations to seriously consider the US plan as the most promising path to peace and has been vocal in his opposition to prolonging the conflict. His trip to Moscow is widely seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the kremlin and Western perspectives, potentially conveying additional messages from washington.
The timing of Orbán’s visit coincides with reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was prepared to meet with Trump on Thanksgiving Day.This convergence of diplomatic efforts – Washington, moscow, and Kyiv – positions Orbán’s trip as a potentially crucial element in shaping the future negotiation architecture.
Whether acting on a direct request from the US or pursuing his own initiative, speculation is mounting that Budapest aims to serve as a crucial communication channel between the Kremlin and the Trump team.Friday’s meeting will mark the first private discussion between the Kremlin and Washington’s proposed peace plan, offering a critical prospect to assess it’s potential for de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
