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Zelenskiy Confronts Orbán's Moscow Overtures at European Summit

Thursday 18 July 2024 - 16:45

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In a charged address at the European Political Community summit held at Blenheim Palace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took aim at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, implicitly accusing him of undermining European unity through his recent diplomatic overtures to Moscow.

Zelenskiy's emotionally charged speech on Thursday set the tone for the summit, with thinly veiled references to Orbán's controversial attempts to forge closer ties with Russia. The Ukrainian president emphasized the critical importance of European solidarity in the face of ongoing aggression from Moscow.

"Our unity has been our strength against Putin's primary objectives," Zelenskiy stated firmly. "This advantage persists only as long as we remain united." He cautioned against individual nations succumbing to pressure or enticement from Russia, warning that such actions could betray the collective European interest.

Without directly naming Orbán, Zelenskiy questioned the motives behind recent diplomatic missions to "the capital of war," asking pointedly, "If someone in Europe attempts to resolve issues behind our backs, or even at the expense of others, why should we consider such a person?"

Orbán has been a persistent source of friction among European nations striving to maintain a united front in support of Ukraine. Earlier this year, he blocked a €50 billion support package for Kyiv, only relenting after negotiating additional conditions.

The Hungarian Prime Minister's recent visit to Moscow, which he termed a "peace mission," culminated in a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this event, Putin called on Kyiv to cede more territory, withdraw its troops, and abandon its NATO aspirations.

Following his Moscow trip, Orbán engaged in talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump. He subsequently informed European officials that Trump possessed "well-founded plans" for peace should he return to the White House after the November presidential election.

These diplomatic maneuvers by Orbán have sparked concern across European capitals. Zelenskiy's invitation to Blenheim Palace was partly intended as a demonstration of unified support for Ukraine in the face of such overtures.

Earlier on Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Zelenskiy's sentiments in a speech to MEPs, describing a recent European prime minister's Moscow visit as "nothing but an appeasement mission."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced Zelenskiy with a robust statement of support: "Ukraine's daily struggle protects not just its own people, but all Europeans – safeguarding our hard-won beliefs in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. President Zelenskiy, we salute your efforts to uphold these values. Rest assured, we stand with you for as long as necessary."

Zelenskiy utilized his platform at the summit to advocate for increased air defense support for Ukraine, urging European nations to lift restrictions on the use of provided weaponry. He argued that enhanced Ukrainian air defenses would weaken Putin's position and potentially push Russia towards seeking peace.

"We shouldn't fear these capabilities," Zelenskiy asserted confidently. "The more effective our air defenses, the more helpless Putin will become. Fewer restrictions on the use of effective weapons will drive Russia towards seeking peace."

As the summit progresses, all eyes remain on how European nations will navigate the complex dynamics of maintaining unity in support of Ukraine while addressing divergent diplomatic approaches within their ranks.