Introduction
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has recently been at the center of significant diplomatic activity, marked by a visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 5, 2024. This visit occurred shortly after Orbán's unannounced trip to Ukraine, where he engaged with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The timing of these visits is crucial, as they coincide with Hungary's assumption of the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) Council. This report will examine the context, significance, discussions, and reactions to Orbán's Moscow visit, along with an overview of his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geostrategic implications.
Timing and Context