NATO Allies Criticize Orbán's Moscow Visit as Ineffective for Peace

Wednesday 10 July 2024 - 11:20

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's recent visit to Moscow has sparked widespread criticism from NATO allies, who view his overtures to Russia as unnecessary and ineffectual in promoting peace and unity. At the NATO summit in Washington commemorating the alliance's 75th anniversary, consensus among members has grown stronger, highlighting Russia's role as the aggressor and the suffering of Ukrainians due to President Vladimir Putin's actions.

Criticism of Orbán's diplomatic approach has resonated particularly in Washington, where NATO allies have gathered. Critics argue that his efforts have failed to contribute meaningfully to peace.

Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder provided a contrasting perspective, suggesting that Orbán lacks the influence to affect Western security significantly. "Orbán is too insignificant to alter Western security," Daalder remarked. "Ultimately, his impact is minimal, and he must follow the majority's lead."

Daalder, now CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, made these remarks during the NATO summit in Washington, emphasizing the alliance's enduring strength.

The prevailing view among NATO allies is that Orbán's Moscow visit did not acknowledge Russia's aggression or the Ukrainian plight. This sentiment was echoed by Michael Carpenter, U.S. Special Adviser for Europe at the National Security Council, who criticized Orbán's actions as unhelpful and unlikely to aid Ukraine's peace efforts. "His mission lacked coordination, and it was doomed from the start because Putin seeks control over Ukraine, not peace," Carpenter added, citing the recent attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv as proof of Putin's intentions.

Incoming Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also weighed in, asserting that Orbán lacks a mandate to represent the EU in discussions with Putin ahead of his first NATO summit.

Daalder's concerns extended beyond Orbán's actions, touching on the rise of far-right parties that he believes undermine NATO's unity and international trust. "There is a growing far-right influence in Europe and the U.S. that threatens collective security principles," Daalder warned.

He emphasized that NATO and the EU's missions of collective security and shared sovereignty are undermined by the authoritarian and nationalist tendencies of far-right movements.

Meanwhile, Daalder urged NATO and Ukraine to intensify efforts against Russia, including mobilizing younger citizens to bolster Ukrainian forces. "Ukraine needs to mobilize younger generations, as no previous war has relied solely on older demographics," Daalder noted.

He also criticized NATO's ambitions for the summit, advocating for a more strategic commitment to Ukrainian membership. "We should have committed to Ukraine's NATO membership sooner, as Russia will continue its aggression until Ukraine is fully integrated into Western institutions," Daalder argued.

As the NATO summit unfolds, the alliance faces challenges in maintaining unity against Russian aggression. Orbán's diplomatic overtures to Moscow have been met with skepticism, reinforcing NATO's stance against condoning Putin's actions. Despite these challenges, NATO remains steadfast in its commitment to collective security and defense.